The Mackay Port Authority has welcomed moves by Mackay City Council to help underwrite direct international flights between New Zealand and Mackay. Mackay City Council this morning agreed to support the Auckland-Mackay route to the tune of $75 000.

Whitsunday Shire Council and Tourism Whitsunday have also been asked to financially back the weekly service. A decision is expected on Friday.

Mackay Port Authority chief executive officer Greg Mann confirmed today that negotiations were continuing with a major low cost carrier.

“Negotiations remain at a delicate stage, but all going well, direct flights between Auckland and Mackay could get off the ground by May,” Mr Mann said.

The Mackay Port Authority has been working on the proposal for the past two years.

The project has attracted great support from the Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin, Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt, Mackay’s Mayor Julie Boyd, Tourism Mackay‘s David Phillips and the Whitsunday Shire Council and Tourism Whitsunday.

Mr Mann said the initial six month trial was expected to directly inject an additional $5 million into the Mackay-Whitsunday economy.

“There has been a lot of speculation about the airline involved in this new service,” Mr Mann said.” Talks are continuing and hopefully I’ll be able to say more in the coming weeks.”

Mr Mann said the total figure to underwrite the direct service could reach $300 000.

“The MPA will have some exposure – but basically we’ll be providing special incentives and rebates to whatever airline operates this fantastic new service,” he said.

“It could cost the MPA up to $150 000 to provide the necessary security, customs and quarantine infrastructure needed to progress this six month trial.”

Mr Mann said the new direct service was expected to use aircraft such as the Airbus A320 or a Boeing 737-800 capable of carrying between 160 and 180 passengers.

“It will provide New Zealanders with a perfect opportunity to escape the country’s winter chill and give Mackay people a great chance to enjoy a ski holiday in New Zealand,” he said.