Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, is set to resume flights to Cairns, Australia, with a seasonal service of three flights per week starting from 17 December 2024 until 29 March 2025. This news comes as a welcome development for Cairns Airport and the tourism industry in Tropical North Queensland.
The resumption of Cathay Pacific’s services to Cairns is expected to provide a significant boost to the region, especially during the peak holiday period encompassing Christmas and Chinese New Year. This will be a great opportunity for both international visitors coming to Tropical North Queensland and local residents looking to travel overseas during the summer holidays.
Cairns Airport CEO, Richard Barker, expressed his excitement about Cathay Pacific’s return, highlighting the positive impact it will have on passenger demand and the local economy. He mentioned that the airline’s seasonal service will operate with a two-class configured Airbus A330 aircraft, offering direct access to Hong Kong and Mainland China.
A delegation from Tropical North Queensland had visited Hong Kong in August 2023 to discuss the resumption of Cathay Pacific flights, with support from the Queensland Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund. This initiative has led to the establishment of three services per week, providing convenient connections to a wide range of global destinations served by the Cathay Group.
Frosti Lau, Cathay Pacific’s regional general manager for Southwest Pacific, highlighted the significance of the seasonal service, emphasizing the benefits it will bring in terms of connectivity and tourism growth. The airline’s extensive passenger and cargo networks will open up opportunities for local exporters to access markets in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and beyond.
Tourism Minister Michael Healy expressed his optimism about the impact of Cathay Pacific’s return on the business community, predicting an increase in tourism numbers, export market growth, and economic development in Far North Queensland. The seasonal flights are expected to inject nearly 27,000 seats over the holiday season, catering to around 13,000 inbound international visitors and generating an estimated AU$20 million in spending.
The Attracting Aviation Investment Fund has played a crucial role in securing international routes to Queensland, including the reintroduction of Cathay Pacific’s services to Cairns. This initiative has significantly contributed to inbound visitor spending, job creation, and economic growth in the region.
In conclusion, the return of Cathay Pacific flights to Cairns represents a positive step towards revitalizing the tourism industry in Tropical North Queensland. The seasonal service will not only enhance connectivity and accessibility but also boost economic opportunities for the local community, demonstrating the importance of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable growth in the aviation sector.