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

Newcastle Airport Named Airport Of The Year

BY XANTHE GREGORY

Newcastle Airport has been named Major Airport of the Year 2018 ahead of its international departure launch.

The Australian Airports Association (AAA) announced the award, presented to an airport with over 500,000 annual passengers who displays excellence in airport operations and development.

Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock says the airport's achievement is important for the community.

"A successful airport is vital to a bright future for the region and community in which it serves," Dr Cock said.

The airport's first flight to Auckland will take off next Thursday and airport staff successfully trialed the check-in systems for international departures.

"Some of our volunteers and staff actually pretended to be passengers, they all had a role to play and they went right through the boarding process just to make sure all the finer things are thought about."

Yesterday Port Stephens Police confirmed they'll still be carrying out bag scanning operations at the airport.

"Exactly the same kind of controls are in place at this airport as any other international gateway will be in place here."

Flights to New Zealand will begin on November 22, with more than half of the first flight already booked out.

"Make sure you get out there and book and use this service"

Dr Cock hopes to continue expanding the services Newcastle Airport can provide following the international departure opening.

"As the flights proceed we'll be talking to Virgin about extending the flight season and hopefully expanding."