An attractive incentive package by the Mackay Port Authority has encouraged new low cost carrier Jetstar to introduce direct services from Sydney to Mackay.

Jetstar announced today the services will start in July with direct flights to Mackay each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Bargain basement air fares – some as low as $29 -- are expected to go on sale on the Net tomorrow.

On May 25, Jetstar will also conduct three daily Brisbane-Mackay services. The budget priced carrier’s parent company, Qantas will retain an afternoon service out of Mackay.
   
Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor said the MPA had been locked in negotiations with Jetstar for almost two months.

“We believe Jetstar could push an additional 100 000 to 150 000 passengers through Mackay in the next 12 months,” he said.

“These new services – in particular the direct services to Sydney – are fantastic news not only for Mackay, but for the whole Mackay-Whitsunday region.”

Mr Taylor said the Mackay Port Authority had played the leading role in attracting the low cost carrier to Mackay.

“The community and the tourism industry are about to reap the rewards of all our hard work in attracting Jetstar to Mackay through generous incentives and rebates,” he said.

“We also have been in the enviable position of being able to keep our costs down to an average 3.5 per cent annually at Mackay Airport, while other major centres have seen aeronautical charges blow out to between 40 and 160 per cent over the past two years.”

Mr Taylor said the MPA was proud of its proactive approach to tourism and its role in ensuring Mackay travellers could tap into budget-priced air fares”.

He said the MPA was eagerly awaiting Virgin’s response to today’s Jetstar launch.

“We are conscious of operating on a level playing field. The MPA has offered  similar rebates and incentives to Virgin,” Mr Taylor said.