Latest Mackay Airport News

New jet service to help boost local tourism

Mackay visitor numbers are expected to soar to over a million within five to seven years.

Mackay Tourism boss David Phillips' exciting prediction coincides with new visitor figures and an announcement that Virgin Blue will launch an additional Brisbane service using its new 78-seat Embraer "E-jet" late next month.
Emergency services personnel and airport staff inspect Virgin’s new E-jet that touched down on a line training flight in Mackay today.
"Our marketing is paying dividends as our shores are being washed with a new wave of multi million dollar tourist developments - so in my eyes a million visitors a year is achievable in five to seven years," he said.

His prediction is supported by visitor numbers jumping another 11.4 per cent last financial year to top 750 000.

"Mackay is becoming a tourist destination in its own right with the average stay now 3.7 nights. Our future has never looked brighter and our economy never more prosperous, Mr Phillips said. It's estimated the spend linked directly to tourism is currently worth more than $300 million a year."

Mr Phillips said the announcement that Virgin Blue would launch a new lunchtime leisure service to Brisbane in late October represented another coup for regional tourism.

"It's a good time of day for the leisure traveller and indicates Virgin's commitment to Mackay on the back of its decision last year to fly direct to Sydney," he said.

"This service will also be very useful in helping to generate numbers for future conventions and events in the city when the Mackay Convention Centre opens its doors."

Virgin Blue's Amanda Bolger said the airline had a policy of supporting loyal communities.

"We have always said Virgin Blue will support the communities that support us and we are resolute in that commitment to the Mackay community and will continue to work hard to ensure we listen to the needs and wants of local travellers," she said.

"The decision to deploy the E-Jet on to the Mackay market is a direct result of the resounding and ongoing support we have had from the Mackay community and we are absolutely thrilled we can provide more services to Mackay as one of our key ports."

"The ultra modern executive style E-Jet will be a key tool for Virgin Blue in its quest to further stimulate business and tourism travel to and from the Mackay region."

"The E-Jet and 737 will work together across our route network allowing flexibility and greater frequency as the new fourth daily flight for Mackay demonstrates."

Mackay Airport general manager Trevor Heard welcomed the additional service.

"This new service will provide passengers with another travel option making available an additional 1000 seats a week," he said.