Air Canada to fly daily into Queensland

Daily flights between Vancouver and Brisbane could bring more than 90,000 additional travellers to Queensland every year, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced today.

Ms Palaszczuk said Air Canada today announced an extra four direct flights between British Columbia and Queensland building on the three flights each week that had been previously announced.

She said the flights would start in June 2016.

“This is a market with strong growth potential and offers travellers from across North America and Canada easier access to Queensland,” she said.

“The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flights are the first direct services between Canada and Queensland and are expected to generate $56 million for the state.

“The daily services will give access to more than 90,000 travellers when Air Canada takes off from Vancouver to Brisbane for the first time in June 2016.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the move was a strong vote of confidence in Queensland Tourism with 50,000 more seats than the originally scheduled three flight a week service.

“Strong demand for the service – and for holidays in Queensland – has enabled Air Canada to increase the non-stop Vancouver to Brisbane flight to a daily service,” Ms Jones said.

“North American visitors to Queensland grew by nine per cent in the year to September 2015 as one of the top five source markets for the state.

“More than 236,000 people from North America visited Queensland last year with holiday, visiting friends and relatives and business travel all increasing.

“Queensland previously secured three Air Canada flights a week between Vancouver and Brisbane through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund,” she said.

Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO and Managing Director Julieanne Alroe said the now daily service is testament to the strong economic ties between Queensland and Canada.

“Air Canada’s decision to make Brisbane a daily service from day one is a clear indication of the strength of Queensland’s attractions and a sign of Air Canada’s confidence in the market,” Ms Alroe said.

“Clearly, Canada-Australia business ties are of increasing significance with our two economies sharing many major industries, like mining, agriculture and tourism, but complementing each other by operating opposing growing and tourist seasons.”

Media contact: Minister Jones’ office, 3719 7530