Latest Mackay Airport News

E-jet service touches down in Mackay

Airport fire and rescue services give the new E-jet an impressive welcome.

Virgin Blue's new Embraer "E-Jet" aircraft flew into Mackay on Sunday with airport executives tipping passenger numbers through Mackay’s award winning terminal will top a record 775 000 this year.

The 78-seat executive-style passenger jet touched down just after 11 a.m. and will be the airline’s fourth daily direct service from Brisbane.
Passenger disembark from the first E-jet service into Mackay on Sunday

Mackay Port Authority CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris said the new service would provide an additional 1000 seats a week on the Brisbane route.

"It’s a great result for Mackay to have a lunch time flight into the city and I’m certain the service will be well supported by leisure and business travellers," he said.
Captain Andrew Backstrom at the controls of the hi-tech Embraer E-jet that touch down on its inaugural flight to Mackay on Sunday. The aircraft boasts advanced aeronautics and is one of the most fuel-efficient passenger aircraft in Australia.

"This flight follows Virgin’s decision to back a direct Sydney service last May and I would be hopeful of even further commitments from Virgin in the New Year."

Mr Stewart-Harris said Mackay remained on target to process 775 000 passengers through the airport terminal this year.

"We are going from strength to strength and I’m confident that the 800 000 passenger milestone will be passed during the current financial year," he said.

Meantime, Virgin Blue’s Chief Executive Officer Brett Godfrey said Virgin Blue enjoyed and appreciated the ongoing support shown by the Mackay community.

"The E-Jet is an outstanding aircraft and we were very pleased to fly it to Mackay for the first time on Sunday," he said.

"Guests on board were among the first to experience a new jet type flying Australian skies and the new level of comfort we will introduce to main and regional air routes."

"Virgin Blue has ordered 20 E-Jets, this is the first aircraft to enter service, another is in the country being prepared to fly and our third left the Embraer factory in Brazil en route to Australia last week."

"Both our Boeing 737 aircraft and our E-Jets will operate to Mackay. Feedback from our own team and from Guests who have trialled the aircraft is very positive and we are sure it will become a firm favourite with the people of Mackay."