Queenstown Airport welcomes first international after-dark flight

Queenstown, New Zealand (24 June 2016) – Queenstown Airport welcomed its first international after-dark flight tonight, just in time for its passengers – predominantly Australian skiers and holidaymakers - to enjoy the opening night celebrations of the world-renowned American Express Queenstown Winter Festival.

Jetstar flight JQ219 from Melbourne touched down at 19:20 and passengers were greeted personally by Head of New Zealand Jetstar Grant Kerr and Queenstown Airport Corporation’s (QAC) newly appointed CEO Colin Keel. They were also given their first taste of Queenstown with free goodies provided by local businesses Patagonia Chocolates, Cup and Cake, The Remarkables Sweet Shop, and TravelPharm.

Mr Keel said that it was a big occasion for the airport and heralded “a new era in its history”.

“Providing more flexibility for our trans-Tasman visitors to fly in and out at night in the winter months enables Australian holidaymakers to make the most of their time in our region,” he said. “With this flight they can be here in three hours with five different ski fields and a range of world-class experiences to choose from.

“We’re delighted that Jetstar is providing our international passengers with more choice and flexibility this winter and thank them for their continued support.”

Mr Kerr said it was an historic moment for Jetstar and a huge achievement after four years of hard work and collaboration with industry stakeholders.

“This has been a real team effort and we’re delighted to have landed the first international after-dark service into Queenstown. Our daily evening flights will give travellers more options for planning winter holidays in Queenstown and provide better connections for passengers on long-haul airlines travelling to and from the resort via Melbourne.”

Jetstar's trans-Tasman service will leave Melbourne at 2.05pm (Australian time) and arrive in Queenstown at 7.20pm (NZ time). The return flight will depart at 8.20pm (NZ time) and arrive in Melbourne at 9.55pm (Australian time).

For more information about evening flights visit www.queenstownairport.co.nz/eveningflights.

ENDS

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