WHITSUNDAY Coast Airport is celebrating a significant five-year deal with Jetstar Airways.
The deal is set to deliver up to a 30 per cent uplift in passenger numbers, compared to 2024, driven by a significant boost in flight frequency across multiple routes.
While QantasLink flights will cease from October, increased Jetstar services will exceed previous capacity and significantly boost connectivity to the Whitsundays.
A key feature of the new deal is the introduction of Jetstar’s larger A321 aircraft, significantly increasing passenger capacity per flight.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins welcomed the announcement, which includes daily flights to Melbourne, up to 11 weekly services to Sydney, and 10 weekly services to Brisbane.
“Jetstar’s continued investment in the Whitsundays reflects their strong confidence in our region as a premier destination,” Mayor Collins said.
“With consistently strong load factors to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, this expansion is a natural next step.
“We expect to see even greater passenger growth during future school holiday and peak travel periods.
“With the additional direct capacity, Whitsunday Coast Airport will continue to deliver on its promise – cheaper, faster, direct.”
Director of Commercial Businesses Craig Turner said the airport’s collaborative approach with Jetstar to increase capacity was an exciting outcome for both the airport and the wider Whitsunday region.
“We anticipate it will lead to more competitive fares – a win for the community and our visitors, while also strengthening the airport’s revenue base,” Mr Turner said.
“Tourism, agriculture, mining and freight distribution already play a vital role in our regional economy.
“These additional flights will help us capitalise on those strengths.
“Increased connectivity makes it easier to do business in the Whitsundays and opens the door to further growth across these key sectors.
“With the introduction of the larger A321 aircraft, capable of flying greater distances, Whitsunday Coast Airport will also now be positioned to explore longer-haul routes in the future.”
Mayor Collins said the increased capacity and potential for expanded connectivity added weight to Council’s push for $8.25m and $22.6min federal funding to deliver Stage 1 projects from the 2024 Master Plan.
“Ensuring our airport infrastructure can keep pace with demand and support continued growth is integral,” Mayor Collins said.
“The recent announcement provides valuable data and momentum for our ongoing advocacy efforts to secure this strategic investment.”
