Jetstar has today announced new direct flights from Sydney to Hervey Bay, in partnership with the Queensland Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council.
Taking off from 26 May, the three-per-week service will be operated by A320 aircraft and is expected to carry close to 50,000 visitors between the Fraser Coast and Sydney each year, delivering an $8 million boost to the Queensland economy.
To celebrate the launch, Jetstar has today launched a 36-hour flash starting at midday (AEDT) sale with fares from $59^.
Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans said the new route to Hervey Bay marks Jetstar’s 20th domestic destination, as the airline continues to look for opportunities to expand its domestic network while international borders remain closed.
“We’re excited to offer the only direct service between Sydney and Hervey Bay.
“With international borders closed, our customers are telling us they are keen to explore more of Australia.
“With low fares to 20 destinations around Australia, we’re pleased to help more people travel for less, boost local jobs and support the economies of the communities we fly to.
“Launching in time for the mid-year school holidays, we expect our flights to Hervey Bay will be a really popular holiday option for travellers,” said Mr Evans.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Jetstar flights had been secured by the Palaszczuk Government’s $15 million Aviation Recovery Fund.
“While Sydneysiders tick whale watching from their 2021 Queensland bucket list, the new Jetstar route has the potential to deliver an $8 million boost to the Hervey Bay economy.
“Hervey Bay’s famous whale highway – as these majestic mammals head off on their annual migration – is one of Queensland’s great tourism experiences.
“Jetstar’s arrival with initially three services per week will support 67 jobs for Hervey Bay’s economic recovery.
“This is another initiative of the Palaszczuk Government’s $15 Million Aviation Recovery Fund to rebuild the air links that are so important to boosting visitor numbers in regions like Hervey Bay,” said Mr Hinchliffe.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the Fraser Coast had built itself to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in Queensland, and the new air services would provide a significant boost to the region’s tourism industry.
“There are not many places in Australia where you can step off a plane after a 90-minute flight from Sydney to a reef, wilderness or whales experience at your doorstep.“While the drive market to the Fraser Coast has been strong, we need connections in the sky as well and these new direct flights to and from Sydney will help our region as we continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
