AUSTRALIA | Hong Kong Airlines has returned to Australia after six years, landing in the Gold Coast ahead of Luna New Year.
Hong Kong Airlines has resumed Australian services after six years, arriving on the Gold Coast in time for 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations.
The seasonal service will deliver 5,000 seats into the Gold Coast over the next four weeks until 15 February, boosting tourism and trade over the festive period.
Lion dancers kickstarted the celebrations in the terminal, as Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell, Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans and dignitaries welcomed passengers from the inaugural flight.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said this influx from Hong Kong over the Lunar New Year period is an exciting opportunity for the Gold Coast, supporting local jobs and the economy.
“We are excited to welcome thousands of travellers over this four-week period,” said Minister Powell. This service is expected to bring AUD $9.14 million in overnight visitor expenditure, supporting up to 90 local jobs,” said Minister Powell.
“These visitors can go from the tarmac to the beach quicker and easier than ever with this service, an excellent opportunity for the local economy and tourism operators. This is another win for the AUD $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.”
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said the airport was thrilled to welcome Hong Kong Airlines back to the city.
"We're delighted to welcome Hong Kong Airlines' guests to our beautiful city of Gold Coast and can't wait for them to experience the best of an Australian summer across the whole region," Evans said.
“Before the pandemic, China was the Gold Coast’s number one international market, attracting more than 300,000 visitors a year. We hope this connection with Hong Kong will pave the way for longer-term services across our key markets in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and Mainland China.”
"We are delighted to have a full flight of passengers on our first voyage, with around 300 travellers coming to experience Queensland's warm climate and exciting tourist activities,” said Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Yan Bo.
“We also look forward to welcoming visitors from the Gold Coast and Queensland to Hong Kong during our operation period, inviting them to immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations and enjoy authentic Hong Kong cuisine."
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