Low-cost carrier Jetstar has started directed flights between Sydney and Mackay.

The first passengers touched down in Mackay on Wednesday, July 21.

The aircraft was given a “water guard of honour” by the airport’s fire engines.

The service will operate into Mackay on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday of each week.

The inaugural flight was a special home-coming for former Mackay woman Robyn Giddins. Robyn works as a flight attendant with Jetstar and is now based in Sydney.

She said passengers had a smooth trip north with many taking a nap during the two hour flight that touched down 10 minutes early.

The Mackay Port Authority has offered Jetstar special incentives and rebates to open the Sydney-Mackay route. Similar rebates have been offered to budget carrier Virginblue.

Tourism officials are confident the new direct Sydney service will be a big hit with leisure and business travellers.

Holidaymakers are expected to use the direct service into Mackay as a stepping stone to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday island tourist resorts.

Meantime, the Mackay Port Authority is currently continuing discussions with Virginblue on a Trans Tasman service. The MPA hopes Virgin will introduce a weekly Auckland-Mackay flight by the middle of next year.