In a $45-million boost to tourism, direct flights from Kuala Lumpur have returned to the Gold Coast, more than 1,000 days after the service was stopped by the pandemic.
The first AirAsia X service since early 2020 touched down this morning at Gold Coast Airport’s new international terminal.
The route will initially fly three services a week but increase to five per week by the end of the year.
It’ll land an extra 58,000 inbound international seats to the Gold Coast.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says it’s supported by the State Government’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.
“We’re backing AirAsia X with the $200 million aviation war chest because of the airline’s commitment to growing its Gold Coast flight schedule,” Minister Hinchcliffe says.
“AirAsia X is a terrific investment in the Gold Coast’s visitor economy and the 450 good Queensland jobs these services will support,
“It’s terrific to welcome Malaysian visitors back to Queensland to share our great lifestyle and enjoy the Gold Coast’s world-class holiday experiences.”
AirAsia X is predicted to generate $45.6 million for the Gold Coast Visitor Economy.
Queensland Airports CEO Amelia Evans says more than 2 million travellers have flown between the two cities since the first flight took off in 2007.
“The return of this service re-establishes an important connection between two major tourism and economic hubs at a competitive price for international travel, and an important partnership with Air Asia X for the future,” Ms Evans says.
“We’re also excited to have been able to welcome AirAsia X back to our new International Terminal, providing visitors with an elevated experience from the moment they touch down into the Gold Coast and the region.”
The $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund is designed to build back international airline services in a highly competitive post-Covid environment.
So far, it’s successfully secured 1.1 million direct international seats for Queensland airports and almost $1 billion in visitor spending, supporting nearly 9,000 good Queensland jobs.
