On background:
- Jetstar has announced the first year-round service between Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) and Auckland.
- The new trans-Tasman flights will take off December 2024 and operate up to three times per week.
- It will create more than 58,000 new low fares seats each year between the two destinations.
- To celebrate today’s announcement, Jetstar is launching a 24-hour Route Launch Sale, offering one-way fares from Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) to Auckland from $215^.
- The sale fares are available from 10am AEST at jetstar.com.
Comments from Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully:
“These new direct flights between Sunshine Coast and Auckland will unlock more than 58,000 new low fares seats every year and bring more Kiwis to the Sunshine Coast.
“This will be the first year-round service between these trans-Tasman destinations, helping boost the region’s tourism industry.
“We thank the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Airport for their ongoing support for low fares travel.”
Sunshine Coast Airport Chief Executive Officer Chris Mills said:
“We are excited to partner with Jetstar as they launch their first international service from the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Mills said.
“This new year-round service to Auckland will welcome visitors three times a week, offering choice and flexibility for travellers from both regions.
“I want to thank Jetstar, and the Queensland Government who provided vital funding to support this new service, along with our Aviation Partners Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism Noosa.
“New Zealand represents the region’s largest contingent of overseas visitors, and this new service will boost tourism, support local business and connect loved ones across the Tasman.”
Tourism Minister and State Member for Cairns Michael Healy said:
“We’re excited to see yet another international service booked for Cairns with a three-year commitment by Jetstar for three weekly services from Christchurch to Cairns, starting in April 2025.
“Sunshine Coast Airport will also benefit from three weekly Jetstar services arriving from Auckland starting in December 2024.
“The flights will go some way to alleviating the pain of losing Bonza Airlines from the local market.
“These will be the 33rd and 34th routes secured through the $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.
“The Fund is estimated to deliver more than 2.26 million inbound international seats and up to $1.95 billion in overnight visitor spend per year, supporting 22,700 Queensland jobs.”
^Sale ends 10.00pm AEST Tuesday 25 June 2024, unless sold out prior. Prices based on payment by PayID, Jetstar voucher, Jetstar Gift Card, or bookings redeemed only in Qantas Points through jetstar.com. For other payment options, a Payment Fee applies. See jetstar.com/fees. Fares are one-way, checked baggage not included. Selected travel dates and other conditions apply.
Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) to Auckland
From 13 December 2024
| Flight # | Frequency | From | To | Depart | Arrive |
| JQ176 | Tue, Fri, Sun | AKL | MCY | 6:15 | 06:45 |
| JQ175 | Tue, Fri, Sun | MCY | AKL | 08:00 | 14:10 |
About Sunshine Coast Airport
Sunshine Coast Airport was the first airport in Australia to hold Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality status. By 2040, total direct employment at the Airport is expected to grow from 530 to 2,400 direct jobs and contribute an estimated $406million in total to Australia’s GDP.
Sunshine Coast Airport Pty Ltd operates and manages Sunshine Coast Airport, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions, under a 99-year lease from Sunshine Coast Council which commenced in December 2017. In July 2023, Sunshine Coast Airport was declared a priority development area (PDA) by the Queensland Government.
ENDS
