After a successful debut in 2023, Air New Zealand will recommence its seasonal service between Auckland Airport (AKL) and Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) on 26 June 2024, flying thrice weekly until 25 October and linking snow and sun destinations.
With around four hours’ flight duration, the nonstop service will operate on Air New Zealand’s Airbus A321neo aircraft, adding more than 17,000 seats between both destinations over the winter season.
The direct AKL-MCY flights will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and with services departing at 9:10am, Kiwis will touch down at 11:10am local time and can be at the beach on the Sunshine Coast by noon.
Sunshine Coast Airport expects a record number of Kiwis to visit the destination this year, following a strong performance in 2023.
Air New Zealand General Manager International Jeremy O’Brien said the airline is excited to see the seasonal service return amid robust bookings in both directions.
“Kiwis are clearly ready to escape the cold New Zealand temperatures as we’re already seeing strong demand for bookings to the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“Australia is an incredibly important market. This seasonal service will also provide more opportunities for our Aussie customers to head across the ditch and enjoy New Zealand’s snowy mountains and winter escapes.
“We look forward to carrying more customers between New Zealand and the Sunshine Coast this season.”
Boon for regional tourism
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel also welcomed the relaunch of the direct Air New Zealand flights to boost high-value tourism and bring additional business to the region.
“We know the Kiwi market has a great affinity with the Sunshine Coast, it’s our biggest international market and we see great potential for it to grow,” he said.
“We will continue to work with the Air New Zealand team as well as our trade partners to make the most out of the seasonal service and drive extra business to the region.”
For more info, head to airnewzealand.com.au
