The Palaszczuk Government has announced a deal today that will see Air New Zealand fly new aircraft into Cairns from April 2020.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Palaszczuk Government, in partnership with Cairns Airport, was supporting the improved scheduling through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.
“This will improve the experience for thousands of kiwi tourists – giving them more of an incentive to pick Cairns,” Ms Jones said.
“Today’s announcement will also open up new markets in North and South America. With an improved schedule and new aircraft, Air New Zealand will offer better connectivity to American tourists looking to spend time in Cairns. This is a huge win for local tourism operators.”
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said Air New Zealand would introduce more efficient aircraft to service the airline’s existing 15,000 yearly visitors who visit Cairns via this route more frequently, making it even easier for travellers to book a Queensland holiday.
“The U.S. is one of Tropical North Queensland’s largest international markets, with the region welcoming 116,000 visitors – a growth of 7.5 per cent – in the year ending March 2019, he said.
“Over the same period, Tropical North Queensland also welcomed 41,000 visitors from New Zealand – a growth of 11.4 per cent.
“Once people get a taste of Cairns they want to keep coming back again and again. New aircraft and an improved schedule will make it easier for tourists to return to our great city.”
Cairns Airport Chief Commercial Officer of Aviation Luis Perez said the improved scheduling for Cairns would offer travellers more choice and better connectivity not only to New Zealand, but the extensive network of cities that Air New Zealand flies to including Chicago, Houston, San Francisco and Buenos Aires.
“Air New Zealand is well connected to key markets in both North and South America,” Luis said.
“Through this improved scheduling, this will make it easier for travellers from those regions, as well as New Zealand, to access Cairns more directly and offer locals greater opportunity to fly more directly to the Americas.
“This increased frequency of flights is as a result of the ongoing collaboration between Cairns Airport, TEQ and Air New Zealand.”
Chief Commercial Officer of Aviation at Cairns Airport Luis Perez said the improved scheduling for Cairns would offer travellers more choice and better connectivity not only to New Zealand, but the extensive network of cities that Air New Zealand flies to including Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Buenos Aires.
“Air New Zealand is well connected to key markets in both North and South America,” Luis said.
Through this improved scheduling, this will make it easier for travellers from those regions, as well as New Zealand, to access Cairns more directly and offer locals greater opportunity to fly more directly to the Americas.
This increased frequency of flights is as a result of the ongoing collaboration between Cairns Airport, TEQ and Air New Zealand.”
Air New Zealand Regional General Manager Australia Kathryn Robertson says the changes are fantastic news for travellers on both sides of the Tasman.
“We’re sure customers flying this route will enjoy the experience of our new A321neo aircraft,” she said.
The new seat creates up to seven per cent more usable space compared with the equivalent pitch on the existing A320 fleet, while other customer enhancements include more overhead locker space, a larger 10″ inflight entertainment screen and Wi-Fi connectivity offered free of charge.”
