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Scoot rekindles love affair with the Gold Coast after two-year separation

The love affair between Scoot and the Gold Coast and the Northern NSW region has resumed again today after the Singapore-based airline returned to Gold Coast Airport on Valentine’s Day.

The love affair between Scoot and the Gold Coast and the Northern NSW region has resumed again today after the Singapore-based airline returned to Gold Coast Airport on Valentine’s Day.

After almost two years, Scoot’s first flight from Changi Airport touched down at The Gold Coast Airport just after 7 am local Queensland time, with passengers onboard the 787-9 Dreamliner treated to a water cannon welcome and fittingly, a beaming rainbow.

In the lead-up, a “Love Is in the Air” message was created in the sand of North Burleigh Beach for Scoot passengers and the airline with the first arriving passengers receiving free entry into the Valentine’s Day-themed koala enclosure at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, along with a photo with the much-loved animals.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said it was exciting to finally welcome Scoot and international passengers back to Gold Coast Airport.

“Valentine’s Day is the perfect day for this service to return. The tourism industry loves Scoot, and the airline loves the Gold Coast and northern NSW,” he said.

“Many Australians have a real passion for international travel as well, and this service will deliver easy, affordable access into Singapore and beyond – prompting many people to take another look at their bucket lists and start making overseas travel plans.”

Campbell Wilson Stirling Hinchliffe Chris Mills Patricia OCallaghan Calvin Chan
Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson Tourism Minister Sterling Hinchliffe, GCA CEO Chris Mills, Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callahan and Scoot CCO Calvin Chan. Pic: Luke Marsden.

Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson said with the recent announcement on the upcoming reopening of Australia’s borders to the world, the resumption of Scoot’s Singapore-Gold Coast service could not have come at a better time.

“Since we launched this route a decade ago, over a million people have flown with us to experience the picturesque attractions of the Gold Coast, and the cosmopolitan bustle of Singapore,” he said.

“It is evident that the Gold Coast remains a much-loved destination, and commemorating our return here on Valentine’s Day makes it all the more special as we look forward to reuniting loved ones across borders and reigniting the love for travel.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said international aviation was critical to the recovery of the Gold Coast’s visitor economy.

“Scoot’s return to Gold Coast Airport is the first instalment in the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million partnership with Queensland’s international airports and tourism industry to secure overseas arrivals for our world-class destinations,” he said.

“More international flights mean more overseas visitors spending with Gold Coast businesses.

“Singapore’s international aviation hub strategically connects the Gold Coast with overseas visitors from 144 cities in 45 countries.

Passengers arrive from Singapore
Passangers arrive at the Gold Coast on the first Scoot flight from Singapore in 2 years. Pic: Luke Marsden.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the long-awaited return of Gold Coast’s first international service represented a significant milestone for recovery.

“The tides are turning for tourism on the Gold Coast, and we are thrilled to once again welcome Scoot back, which is the beginning of an exceptionally bright future ahead for international travel,” she said.

“The Gold Coast has gone through a significant transformation with new experiences and attractions just waiting to be explored. From our warm climate and picturesque swimming spots to new rides at theme parks, a burgeoning dining scene, world-class cultural experiences and rainforest hinterland.

“Thank you to Scoot for their vote of confidence in the Gold Coast and for the valued support of our partners Gold Coast Airport, State Government and the City of Gold Coast.”

Scoot Country Manager Kirsty Lucas said coming back to the Gold Coast was a historic moment.

“We’re proud to be the Gold Coast’s first international arrival. It means 52,000 seats annually into the Gold Coast and an essential connection not just with Singapore, but as a huge aviation hub, connecting the Gold Coast with the rest of the world and reuniting families.”

Scoot Kirsty
Kirsty Lucas, Scoot Country Manager Australia (R) with the Scoot crew

Speaking about the importance of Scoot’s relationship with the trade, Ms Lucas said, “Our trade partners are critical to the success of both inbound and outbound, and particularly outbound from an Australian perspective.”

“They are a crucial part in making sure customers have confidence in the regulations and putting packages together to connect hotel partners and destinations across the globe.”

“I want to thank the trade for sticking through the last two years. It’s been incredibly difficult, not just to be an airline but to be in the trade and have people leaning on them to understand the information they need to bring them home.”

The three times a week Scoot Gold Coast-Singapore service is expected to be popular in both directions, as Gold Coast and northern NSW residents look to refresh their travel bucket lists at affordable prices.

“We’re really excited to announce that people can expect fares of less than AU$300 generally across the board out of Australia,” said Ms Lucas.

“You can expect Scoot to continue to reconnect Australians with the globe at an affordable value proposition that will allow people to connect with their wanderlust, see new destinations, and experience new things, and we can’t wait to take them.”

The Gold Coast Airport terminal expansion will be ready to facilitate international passengers and services later this year – supporting the recovery in flights between Australia and overseas destinations. The three-level, 30,000sq m expansion doubles the Gold Coast Airport terminal footprint and includes four aerobridges.

Find out more: www.flyscoot.com