Coffs welcomes Queenslanders with new Qantas flights from Brisbane
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Coffs Harbour Airport today welcomed the second of two new flight routes operated by Qantas into the region with its Brisbane service.
The new service will connect locals to Queensland’s capital as the second airline to operate the route into Coffs Harbour Airport.
Commencing just in time for the Labour Day (QLD) public holiday, this service will be operated by a turboprop Q400 aircraft four times a week providing over 31,000 seats between the destinations per year.
“These direct flights to Coffs Harbour will help support the growing demand for domestic travel and have flow on benefits for local businesses looking to recover from the impact of COVID-19,” said QantasLink CEO John Gissing. “We want to encourage travellers to holiday around Australia and with these new flights, we’re now offering more seats into Coffs Harbour than before COVID-19.
“The new route to Brisbane means we now offer direct flights from Coffs Harbour to three east coast capital cities, making it easier for residents to travel for business and visit family and friends.”
Incoming Coffs Harbour Airport General Manager, Frank Mondello, said the new service provided a fantastic opportunity for local tourism operators in the wider region.
“Connecting the capital of Queensland to a premier holiday destination in the Coffs Coast, and surrounding Clarence, Bellingen and Nambucca Shires will add a much-needed tourism boost to the economy. Not appealing just to holiday makers, this route offered by Qantas will attract business travel as passengers can opt for a 60-minute flight in lieu of the drive along the Pacific Highway. We also know plenty of Coffs locals have family and friends up in Brisbane, and what better way than to be from your home into Queensland’s capital within an hour.”
Leading up to the lease of Coffs Harbour Airport by Palisade Investment Group, Mr. Mondello was optimistic about the economic recovery of the region. “Having these direct flights will not only pave the way for a strong tourism recovery after COVID-19, but will further strengthen the region’s business links.”
Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Denise Knight said she was delighted to see Qantas commence on the Brisbane route. “Once again Coffs Harbour Airport is able to offer passengers more choice with a second airline servicing Brisbane. South East Queensland is an important market for the Coffs Coast tourism industry so having competition for the hour-long flight between Coffs Harbour and Brisbane will provide another – very welcome – boost to our local economy and broader community.”
Random passengers on the first flight were also surprised with a ‘lucky luggage’ initiative thanks to Coffs Coast. Purchased from businesses directly, passengers on the plane were treated to $50 vouchers to The Big Banana Fun Park, Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, Surf Club Bar & Restaurant, Montem Bike Tours, Element Bar & C-Change Adventures.