• Jetstar to launch new direct service between the Gold Coast and Mackay from 28 June 2014
• Additional frequency between Brisbane and Townsville introduced from 17 April 2014
• Special sale from $49 for flights between Mackay and the Gold Coast in selected travel periods

Jetstar will be the first airline to operate direct flights between the Gold Coast and Mackay as part of a revamp of its flying schedule in northern Queensland.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO David Hall said Queensland customers would benefit from a greater choice of low fares between key cities and regional centres as part of the restructure.

“We’ve been keen to introduce a nonstop service between Mackay and the Gold Coast for some time and we’re delighted to announce these flights will commence from 28 June 2014,” Mr Hall said.

“Jetstar offers the most flights to and within Queensland of any low fares carrier and we expect these changes will encourage more customers to take in the highlights of the region.

“We’ve played an integral role in helping boost passenger growth to northern Queensland from our first flight almost 10 years ago and we’re proud to continue offering customers an affordable and smart choice.”

The introduction of the daily services between Mackay and Gold Coast comes as Jetstar has also announced a second daily service between Brisbane and Townsville, commencing 17 April 2014. As a result of these additional services, Jetstar will reduce its four daily services between Mackay and Brisbane to two daily services.

“We’re able to make these changes, in response to customer demand, with our existing fleet by working smarter and more efficiently,” Mr Hall said.

“And the addition of a new destination from Mackay is fantastic news for the local community who have supported Jetstar since we started operating to the airport almost 10 years ago.”