In a boost to the region’s tourism businesses, Sunshine Coast Airport has announced a record 600,000 seats will be available across all airlines between July and October.
The new capacity benchmark follows Jetstar’s announcement of an additional 49,000 seats on Sydney and Melbourne services.
Airport CEO Chris Mills said the increased seats reflected the growing demand for travel between the Sunshine Coast and major capital cities.
“Sydney and Melbourne are our core markets, and we know the travel demand is there,” Mr Mills said.
“Adding 49,000 seats is a huge win for travellers, whether they are locals looking to getaway for weekend or southerners coming to the Sunshine Coast to experience our incredible region.
“Record capacity on these services will provide more choice, flexibility and convenience for travellers at a time that works for them.”
The additional Jetstar seats follow more flights and larger aircraft operating routes between the Sunshine Coast and Sydney and Melbourne.
Jetstar’s executive manager commercial planning Lyle Brownscombe said Jetstar was seeing growing demand for low-fare flights to the Sunshine Coast.
“This is the third time we’ve expanded our Sunny Coast network in the past six months – with flights to Auckland and Cairns launching last December – and we’re excited to be giving travellers even more budget-friendly flights to and from the region,” Mr Brownscombe said.
“July to October are some of the best months to visit Queensland and we expect these extra seats to be really popular with southerners looking for a winter escape.”
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When combined with the new services to Cairns and Auckland, which commenced in December, Jetstar will see its total seat capacity increase by more than 30 per cent when compared to the same time last year.
The Sunshine Coast attracts more than 11 million visitors annually – they spent $5.2 billion last financial year, including $4.4 billion from domestic overnight visitors and $854 million from day-trippers.
