Qantas Adds More Seats for Mackay
QANTAS has announced that from mid-August, three Boeing 737s and one Dash Q400 will be operating daily return services from Brisbane to Mackay. The announcement comes just over a month after Qantas announced it was flying 737s to Mackay for the first time since 2006.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the Qantas announcement about the three 737 return services was really good news for our region.
“It has been more than a decade since we have had 737s offering Mackay three day return services from Brisbane,’’ he said.
“This announcement highlights demand in the Mackay region, with our airport one of the largest intra-state ports in Queensland.”
Welcoming the announcement was Mackay Airport General Manager Garry Porter.
“Mackay’s strengths in tourism, resources and agriculture has maintained a steady stream of passengers through COVID-19 and positioned the region for a speedy economic recovery,” he said.
“Qantas’ decision to select Mackay for increased passenger capacity is a worthy reflection of the growing demand for flights, and the economic prosperity that exists within our region,” Mr Porter added.
As Queensland slowly emerges from COVID-19, the increased passenger capacity from Boeing 737s flying in and out of Mackay three times a day, presents significant opportunities for industries across The Mackay Region,” said Mr Porter.
Three daily 737 flights to Mackay will provide a significant boost to the region’s tourism industry according to Mackay Tourism Chief Executive Officer Tas Webber.
“For a regional tourism centre like Mackay, accessible and affordable passenger air travel is essential. Qantas’ decision to increase flight capacity to and from Mackay is a clear indication of the growing appeal and popularity of The Mackay Region as a tourism destination,” he said.
Mr Webber continued, “Mackay’s diverse mix of corporate and leisure travellers puts the region in a relatively strong position to recover from COVID-19. Each Qantas Boeing 737 flight that arrives in Mackay, brings with it potentially 174 passengers. Each additional passenger that’s welcomed through Mackay Airport, means more expenditure into The Mackay Region’s tourism industry and the local economy.”
“Thank you to Qantas for meeting the demand for more flights to Mackay and supporting regional tourism,” he said.
Flights to and from Mackay with Qantas can be booked from www.qantas.com.au.
ENDS
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Monday, 17 August 2020