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Tiger Airways to jet into Mackay in November

Toasting Tiger Airway's new direct Melbourne/Mackay service are (from left) Tourism Mackay general manager David Phillips, Mackay Chamber of Commerce president Martin Lambert, MPACEO Jeff Stewart-Harris, Mackay Airport general manager Trevor Heard and editor of The Daily Mercury David Fisher.

Low-cost carrier Tiger Airways will roar into Mackay in November.

Mackay Port Authority chairman Graham Davies said Tiger would start direct services between Melbourne and Mackay on November 23 with fares starting from $59.95 incl GST.

It's great news for leisure and business travellers. Tiger's confidence in the region's booming economy and the potential for further expansion and investment in the mining and tourism sectors is reflected in the airline's decision to name Mackay in its initial roll out into Queensland, Mr Davies said.

I'm certain all the AFL supporters in Mackay and the Whitsunday will have a smile on their face a mile wide.

The inaugural November 23 flight will jet into Mackay at 2 p.m. after leaving Melbourne at 12.05 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Saving Time).

Initially, Mackay will enjoy four direct services a week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The return leg will depart Mackay at 2.40 p.m. and arrive in Melbourne at 6.35 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Saving Time).

Mr Davies believes the tourism industry will be the big winner from Tiger's direct Melbourne-Mackay service.

Mackay is the gateway to the Whitsundays and is continuing to emerge as a desirable tourist destination in its own right, boasting magnificent beaches, a world-class marina and the solitude and wilderness of our pristine rainforests, he said.

Mr Davies thanked the community for its strong support in helping to lure the Singapore-based budget airline to Mackay.

Special mention must go to our hard working local MP, Member for Mackay and Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin. Mr Mulherin was responsible for opening channels of communication between Tiger CEOTony Davis and the MPAearlier this year, he said.

Our local media also played its role, along with Mackay Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Mackay and the Mackay City Council.

Needless to say this was a team effort – and the benefits will now filter right through our community.

Mr Davies expects the new four-day a week service will boost throughput at Mackay Airport by about 50 000 passengers a year.

Eventually, this service will go daily, he said.