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The first flight from New Zealand in more than a year has touched down in Cairns, with the passenger cabin filled to capacity.
It kicks off a thrice weekly service between far north Queensland and Auckland.
Disembarking passengers were treated to a tongue-in-cheek treat – the classic pavlova, which has long been claimed as a national dish by both Australia and New Zealand.
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Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said bookings also show very strong passenger figures for upcoming flights.
“These flights will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to travellers’ itineraries, both for those seeking a warmer, tropical holiday in the Far North and for local adrenaline seekers keen to hit the slopes in New Zealand,” he said.
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"One stop, seamless connectivity from Los Angeles or San Francisco via Auckland opens the pathway to see more visitors in the Far North from the USA.”
“We expect these services to be highly popular, particularly as confidence around international travel continues to grow.”
It’s the first time in a year that Air New Zealand will land in Cairns, following the brief Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble in 2021.
Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said the mid-Winter re-start is great timing for both Kiwi and Aussie travellers.
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“We also know that linking visitors directly to Auckland makes it easier for them to visit our wine regions such as Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, and ski adventure destinations like Queenstown,” she said.
Pre-pandemic, more than 38,000 visitors from New Zealand travelled to the region each year, injecting almost $67 million into the economy.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Chair Ken Chapman said there’s been a targeted promotional push ahead of the flights resuming.
“TTNQ have been bringing key New Zealand media and influencers to Tropical North Queensland over the past three months to encourage bookings once direct flights resume,” he said.
“The media have been wanting to share Tropical North Queensland’s World Heritage areas, Indigenous culture and city experiences, including the thriving food and beverage scene with their readers and followers.”
Main points
- The first fight from Auckland into Cairns in more than a year was filled to capacity
- Direct NZ flights also offer connections to the USA
- Before the pandemic, Kiwis injected $67-million/year into the FNQ economy
