Mackay Airport
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New push for early bird service

The Mackay Port Authority (MPA) and Mackay City Council have joined forces with the business community to entice a major airline to resume an early morning passenger service.

Mackay City Council yesterday agreed to back an incentive package to the tune of $50 000.

The money will be directed at marketing and will be bolstered by an additional $25 000 commitment from the MPA and the Mackay Chamber of Commerce.

The MPA has sweetened the package with an attractive rebate incentive. Details are still being finalised.

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor and Mackay Mayor Julie Boyd said the “deal” would be offered to the major airlines currently servicing Mackay – Virginblue, Jetstar and Qantas.

“We have had on-going talks with the airlines in a bid to attract renewed interest in the early morning Mackay-Brisbane service,” Mr Taylor said.

“Virginblue and Jetstar have stated that they would require a commitment from the community before making a final decision on an ‘early bird’ service.

“The MPA, Mackay City Council and the chamber of commerce have put that commitment forward in cold hard cash.  A $75 000 offer -- directed at marketing -- is now on the table. The matter is now in the airlines’ court.”

Cr Boyd said councillors recognised the benefits that would flow to the community.

“The business community has been crying out for an early morning service since Qantas withdrew from the 6 a.m. in May and replaced it with an 8 a.m. Jetstar service,” Cr Boyd said.

“Unfortunately, this flight doesn’t get into Brisbane until 930 – forcing many people to fly down overnight, and incur additional accommodation expenses, if they are to meet early morning deadlines.

‘This includes people seeking medical and specialist treatment. This new service will also be great news for people on a tight time schedule who just want to come to Mackay to visit friends and family. 

“Darryl Camilleri from the Mackay Chamber of Commerce has already secured support from his members and is speaking with Bowen Basin coal companies to secure further support for the early bird service.”

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin has also been strongly lobbying for the reinstatement of the 6 a.m. Brisbane service.

Mr Mulherin congratulated the council, chamber of commerce and the MPA on a decision to jointly fund the marketing incentive package.

“I’m certain it will be supported by the community and will have the positive effect of injecting additional competition into the domestic airline market,” he said.

“This also will have the potential to make airline travel even more affordable for the Mackay community.”