An international airline has touched down at Sunshine Coast Airport marking the seasonal return of a popular trans-Tasman service.
Air New Zealand will operate three times a week until October 25, connecting the Sunshine Coast and Auckland and providing 16,000 seats between the two destinations.
The relaunch begins just days after Jetstar announced year-round flights between the two destinations would begin in December.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said the return of Air New Zealand was great news for the region, boosting tourism and connecting families.
“We’re excited to welcome back Air New Zealand and our first international passengers of 2024 to Sunshine Coast Airport,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast and Noosa are incredible holiday destinations blessed with natural beauty, amazing events and unique experiences – why wouldn’t you want to visit?
“The reintroduction of direct seasonal services will be great for locals, enabling them to easily connect with loved ones or explore new travel destinations in North America and Asia through Auckland’s excellent international connections.
“Since our partnership with Air New Zealand first commenced in 2013, we have connected more than 117,000 people. I am excited to see what 2024 will bring.”
Air New Zealand general manager international Jeremy O’Brien said the airline was excited to see the seasonal service return.
He said Australia was an “incredibly important” market for Air New Zealand.
“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect holiday destination – with a relaxed beachside culture, incredible food, beautiful scenery, and 300 days of sunshine each year – it’s easy to see why Kiwis love it so much.
“This seasonal service will also provide more opportunities for our Aussie customers to head across the ditch and enjoy New Zealand’s snowy mountains and winter escapes.
“We look forward to carrying more customers between New Zealand and the Sunshine Coast this season.”
The region’s tourism bodies are also pleased to see flights – which will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays – resume.
“We love the Kiwi market, and fortunately for us we know the kiwis love coming here as well,” Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said.
“The flights come at a time when we need visitors the most, with our forward bookings looking softer than what we have seen in recent years for the winter holidays.”
Tourism Noosa CEO Sharon Raguse said the Kiwi market offers a major boost to the local economy.
“Throughout the region, tourism operators are looking forward to welcoming our friends from across the ditch,” she said.
“New Zealand is a key international market for Noosa, welcoming 25,000 visitors for the year ending December 2023 and importantly injecting just over $30 million into the Noosa economy.”
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