First Jetstar Auckland to Sunshine Coast flight arrives
The first-ever year round direct service connecting Auckland to the Sunshine Coast touched down at Sunshine Coast Airport on December 13, marking the start of the three times weekly Jetstar trans-Tasman service.
Sunshine Coast Airport
Passengers on the inaugural flight were greeted by the Sunshine Coast's iconic surf lifesaver community, enthusiastic locals, and a warm welcome that showcased the spirit of the region.
The event was attended by Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell, Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Noosa Council Deputy Mayor Brian Stockwell who joined airport officials and local tourism representatives in welcoming Jetstar’s new service and celebrating the stronger connection between Australia and New Zealand.
Milestone for Sunshine Coast Airport
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills was delighted to welcome Jetstar’s new Auckland to Sunshine Coast service.
“Jetstar linking the Sunshine Coast and Auckland year-round is a significant milestone for our community. We are already seeing strong passenger demand on future services helping grow both tourism and local business here on the Coast,” Mr Mills said.
“New Zealand visitors are an essential part of our tourism economy. We’re excited to now offer them year-round services to access everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer.
“This route not only opens doors for Kiwi travellers but also provides Sunshine Coast locals with more affordable and direct access to Auckland and onwards to New Zealand’s many tourism destinations.
“I want to thank Jetstar, the Queensland Government and our tourism partners for helping make today possible.”
Jetstar's growing network
With three flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the new route will create more than 58,000 new low fare seats each year between the two destinations.
Jetstar’s Executive Manager, Customer, Jenn Armor said the airline is excited to be growing its network from the Sunshine Coast.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of Jetstar’s most popular destinations and it’s great to be launching these new routes and bringing more people to this beautiful part of the world,” Ms Armor said.
“The new service will not only benefit tourists, but it will also help connect the Sunshine Coast’s large population of Kiwi ex-pats with their home country.
“We thank the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Airport for their commitment to low fares travel.”
Better access benefits the region
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said this flight enables better access between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland, which will significantly benefit the region.
“These regular flights, supported through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, are expected to create more than 29,000 new inbound seats each year to the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Powell said.
“Queensland welcomes the most visitors from New Zealand than any other country in the world, so we are proud to prioritise making this travel as easy and direct as possible.
“Our Kiwi neighbours can now get from the tarmac to the beaches quicker than ever, whether staying in Maroochydore or Noosa. Our 20-year tourism plan focuses on improving our accessibility and connectivity to the rest of the world, and this is a great example of this in action.”
Promoting connectivity and growth
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the first year-round international service was a great boost of confidence for our region and would help promote connectivity and growth ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Queensland Government investment through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund to rebuild our international visitor economy is welcome support.
“New Zealand is our largest international market attracting more than 80,000 visitors annually, and the new flights will bring another influx of travellers, which will be a major boost for our tourism sector.
“These flights will attract visitors from New Zealand to our beautiful region all year round and help so many local businesses flourish – from our coast to our hinterland.
And, it is sure to be a winner with more than 14,000 Kiwis living on the Sunshine Coast.
A quick trip back to their homeland out of Sunshine Coast Airport will be much speedier than making the trek to Brisbane.
We invite New Zealanders to come over the ditch and experience every season of our Sunshine Coast Biosphere.”
Tapping into the biggest international market
CEO Visit Sunshine Coast Matt Stoeckel said: “We know the New Zealand market has a great affinity with the Sunshine Coast: it’s our biggest international market and has great potential to grow with the added convenience of Kiwis being able to fly directly here year-round with this inaugural Jetstar service.
“Our team has undertaken trade missions to New Zealand in advance of the service and our new Sunshine Moments campaign is our biggest consumer campaign ever in the NZ market, with imagery and messaging that we’re confident will inspire even more Kiwis to visit.
“This year-round service is sure to be a game changer, and its success will hopefully attract further direct services from other New Zealand cities in the future.”
Why travel to the Sunshine Coast?
Fly over the ditch and experience every season of our Sunshine Coast Biosphere.
Summer isn't just a season on the Sunshine Coast ... it's a feeling. With more than 100 kilometres of coastline to play on, come and relax on our pristine beaches and enjoy plenty of water activities. Remember to always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Adventures beyond the beach beckon for Autumn. Our Hinterland hikes are even more magical when the mercury drops and chasing waterfalls is everything.
Make sunshine moments at events like the Sunshine Coast Marathon and The Curated Plate in our warm winter months.
Spring is a great time for action and, to get the adrenaline pumping, the Sunshine Coast Multi-Sports Festival is a must. If you’re a music lover, catch the coastal vibes at our biggest music festival by name and icon - the Big Pineapple Festival.