A surge in tourism is set for Brisbane, with airline Cathay Pacific announcing an increase in direct flights between the Queensland capital and Hong Kong. Flights from the airline are set to increase by nearly 50 percent, and will add an additional 840 jobs for Queensland.
Head of Aviation Marketing and Partnerships at Brisbane Airport, Oliver Philpot, said that the announcement coincides with the 41st anniversary of Cathay Pacific’s inaugural 747 descent into the sunshine state.
“Today, we celebrate the expansion of this service as we slowly build back to full pre-Covid recovery. Make no mistake, the link between Brisbane and Hong Kong is one of the region’s most critical for Queensland exports, and this will deliver money into the pockets of rural producers across the state, as well as local seafood companies, and of course tourism operators,” said Philpot.
Cathay Pacific remains the only major airline to fly directly from Brisbane to the trade gateway of Hong Kong. Acting regional general manager for the airline, Sandeep Pillay, said that Brisbane is a key port for Cathay Pacific for both cargo and travel services, making the increase in flights a highly valuable asset to the airline and state.
“The support from the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport is hugely valued as we increase our service from Brisbane to Hong Kong and beyond,” said Pillay.
This deal has been part of the Queensland Government’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, which was designed to fast track the recovery of Queensland’s economy. Tourism Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe said that the economic benefits of the Palaszczuk Government’s partnership with Queensland’s four international airports were far-reaching.
“Cathay Pacific is a terrific example of our $200 million international aviation war chest driving investment in tourism and across the Queensland economy,” said Hinchliffe.
“As a strategic aviation hub, Hong Kong is an important connection for Brisbane-bound visitors and international students, as well as high-value Queensland exports from seafood to pharmaceuticals.”
Each Cathay Pacific aircraft is not only dedicated to providing a comfortable journey for more than 300 passengers but also equipped to carry up to 25 to 30 tonnes of freight, with its planes frequently carrying Queensland exports of Queensland chilled beef, seafood and seasonal produce, including avocados, lychees, and tropical fruit.
The increase is set to commence on the first of December, 2023, upgrading from four flights per week to six flights.
