Newcastle Airport Continuing Direct Service to New Zealand

BY HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON

Newcastle Airport has today announced a three-year partnership with Virgin Airlines to continue direct flight services between the Hunter and Auckland, New Zealand. 

Virgin Australia will operate three return flights per week from 21 November 2019 to 16 February 2020, the peak holiday period, with potential for development of the service in the future.

“In what is a great sign of confidence in the region, we have formalized an agreement to continue connecting these two harbor cities for at least the next three years,” said Newcastle Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock.

This agreement between the two parties, brought about by the success of last year's trial run, is said to boost the regional economy and cement Newcastle as an international airport. 

"The first season was a real success, delivering an estimated $5.4 million in economic benefit into our region. Importantly, 38% of holiday travelers were visiting the Hunter for the first time, which indicates this direct service stimulated new demand," said Dr Cock, "with our international capability now confirmed, we’re strengthening the region’s reputation as a key destination for both domestic and international travels and a second international gateway into NSW.  It’s thanks to the ongoing support from our shareholders as well as state and federal government stakeholders that we’re well placed to deliver our vision to be the Airport the region deserves."

Photo belonging to the Newcastle Herald