A new direct flight from the US is being hailed as a massive step forward towards Queensland’s post-covid tourism recovery.
United Airlines’ first Queensland flight touched down in Brisbane this morning, connecting over 40,000 people a year to the Sunshine State.
The flight will run three times weekly from San Francisco and is predicted to contribute an extra $27 million to the State’s visitor economy.
The service is one of six secured by Queensland’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF) in partnership with the State’s four international airports.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says it is a huge accomplishment.
“This really is history in the making,” Mr Hinchliffe says.
“United Airlines’ inaugural direct flight is our boarding pass to the next leg of Queensland’s international tourism recovery,
“We know aviation is absolutely critical to rebuilding Queensland’s $6 billion international visitor economy, that’s why we’ve created Australia’s biggest international airline war chest.”
The flight is also expected to support 260 good Queensland jobs.
Prior to the pandemic, the US was Queensland’s third biggest inbound travel market, bringing in 236,000 visitors a year and spending $419 million.
“We want American travellers back enjoying our great Queensland lifestyle and world-class visitor experiences, staying longer and supporting local jobs,” Mr Hinchliffe says.
“The 250 passengers on United Airlines’ 787 Dreamliner are the first of many more Americans to share Queensland’s great lifestyle and enjoy our iconic visitor experiences.”
The six international services secured to date by Queensland’s $200 million AAIF are anticipated to deliver 152,000 overseas visitors, generating $314.5 million with support for more than 3,000 Queensland jobs.
