Mackay Airport
News

Record jump in passenger numbers

Budget-priced air fares and proactive marketing have fuelled a record jump in passenger numbers at Mackay’s award winning airport. Mackay Airport recorded its fourth consecutive increase in passenger growth last financial year with more than 580 000 people passing through the local terminal. The figure is up 32 per cent on the record throughput of 438 000 achieved in 2003/04. Mackay Airport general manager Trevor Heard said the airport was expected to break the 600 000 passenger barrier in the 2005 calendar year. Mr Heard the unprecedented growth was being driven by on-going competition between the low-cost carriers Virgin Blue and Jetstar. He said the Mackay Port Authority had played its role in keeping fares at bargain basement levels by offering the airlines attractive rebates and concessions. “Over the past 12 months fares, excluding taxes, have fallen to as low as a dollar for a one-way ticket to Brisbane,” Mr Heard said.” Mackay people are now enjoying an every-day low price fare of $79 to Brisbane and $89 to Sydney.” Mr Heard said Mackay currently boasted 168 passenger services a week, including four direct flights to Sydney. “The expansion of the marina and the addition of new hotels, are making Mackay an attractive tourist destination in its own right,” he said. Mr Heard said the MPA new goal was to secure another daily direct service to Sydney and direct services to Melbourne. Highlights at the airport last financial year included
• Introduction by Virgin Blue of the “early bird” 610 a.m. service to Brisbane.
• Introduction by Jetstar of four direct services to Sydney.
• Expansion of general car parking and the completion of the 67-bay undercover security car park.
• Improved coach connections from the airport to Mackay and the Whitsundays.
• Bigger aircraft.
• Helicopter services to Brampton Island.
• Budget priced car rentals deals.