Droves of people have made the most of an airline’s seasonal service across the ditch.
More than 13,700 travellers from New Zealand and Queensland utilised Air New Zealand’s direct flights that operated between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast from early June until late October.
Air New Zealand increased seat capacity by 12 per cent compared to the previous year, due to the popularity of the Sunshine Coast as a destination.
The increased demand was accommodated by utilising the more spacious A321neo aircraft, boasting 214 seats, for several flights.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills hailed the service.
“This season has been a resounding success: the busiest since flights returned following the pandemic,” he said.
“It reinforces the popularity of our region.
“We have welcomed thousands of Kiwis to the Coast, with many seeking winter sun holidays and time with friends and family.
“This seasonal service (also) provided travellers across the Sunshine Coast with the opportunity to fly direct to Auckland, where they were able to take advantage of Air New Zealand’s global routes to North America and Asia.
“Importantly, it gave locals the opportunity to explore New Zealand’s tourism experiences and connect with friends and family.”
The national New Zealand carrier began its partnership with Sunshine Coast Airport in 2013 and, since then, has flown more than 130,000 people between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland.
Air New Zealand general manager Australia Kathryn O’Brien said the service was a popular one for Kiwis and Aussies during winter.
“The route has proved popular with our Kiwi customers looking to escape the New Zealand winter and Aussies heading across to make the most of the famous New Zealand ski season, or connect on to one of our destinations further afield,” she said.
“This season was the first with our new Seats to Suit offering available, giving travellers access to inflight entertainment, snacks and affordable flexibility.
“We’re already looking forward to next season.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the season was an important part of a wider industry-led effort to boost international tourism to the state.
“Kiwis love the Sunshine Coast and who can blame them,” she said.
“It has been great to see the demand for this service over winter when they’ve swapped their cold climate for the coast’s warm and welcoming people, beaches and hinterland.
“The tourism industry right around the state has some ambitious growth goals, including almost doubling international visitor expenditure, so air services like this one are vital to achieving those goals.
“The Sunshine Coast has been the leader across Queensland in recovering international visitation since the pandemic which bodes well for the region’s future growth.
“We look forward to the ongoing partnerships the Sunshine Coast Airport has with airlines to bring even more visitors into the Sunshine Coast.”
More than 1.8 millions passengers passed through the Sunshine Coast Airport terminal in the last financial year.
Sunshine Coast Airport will soon connect the Sunshine Coast to five destinations (Adelaide, Auckland, Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney) and is supported by five airlines (Air New Zealand, Alliance, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia).
Jetstar announced in June that it would offer a year-round service between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland from December 13, and a year-round service between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns from December 3.
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