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February 26, 2024
6

Coffs Harbour Airport welcomes the new QantasLink Airbus A220

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Coffs Harbour Airport welcomes the new QantasLink Airbus A220

Coffs Harbour Airport is set to welcome the new QantasLink Airbus A220 with flights set to commence from October. The new state of the art aircraft will operate between Coffs Harbour Airport and Melbourne which add more seats between the two destinations.

The A220 will offer passengers more choice and flexibility with 137 seats available per flight, including 10 Business class seats, with improved technology and a greater sense of space throughout the cabin.

Coffs Harbour Airport General Manager Frank Mondello said the new A220 would be a huge boost for the region.

“Qantas’ decision to introduce the new A220 aircraft for services between Coffs Harbour Airport and Melbourne is incredibly exciting for our region.” Mr Mondello said.

“It will mean a remarkable 71,000 seats available annually between the two destinations, a significant 20% increase on current capacity. This will undoubtedly have a positive impact on regional tourism and business.

“We have been working closely with our government partners and regional stakeholders to create new aviation and business opportunities for the region and we are grateful to Qantas for their on-going support.”

QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said the airline was thrilled these next-generation aircraft would be connecting regional cities across Australia.

“We’re excited that Coffs Harbour will be one of the first regional cities to have A220s from October,” said Ms Yangoyan.

“The A220 is more fuel efficient, quieter and offers improved comfort for our customers.

“This larger aircraft also means we’re able to add more seats to Coffs Harbour from later this year which is great news for local tourism.”

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Cr Paul Amos said the announcement would supercharge the Coffs Coast, NSW’s first certified Eco-Tourist Destination.

“Together with our partners Agilis (operators of Coffs Harbour Airport), we welcome the extra capacity brought by the A220 service,” Cr Amos said.

“This is brilliant news for business people, tourists and Coffs Harbour residents who all stand to benefit from the increased connection to Melbourne.

“Coffs Harbour is the only regional airport on the Australian Mainland to be chosen for the A220 service so that speaks of a fast growing city going places.”

[Ends]
February 23, 2021
3
Rex

Rex to Launch Direct Flights Between Coffs Harbour and Sydney in Time for Easter

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Rex will commence direct flights between Coffs Harbour and Sydney from 28 March 2021, offering passengers more choice on the region’s busiest air route.

Rex will initially offer 3 daily return services Monday-Friday and 18 return services in total for the week using a SAAB 340 twin-engine turboprop aircraft. This translates to almost 1,300 additional seats a week, or more than 60,000 seats a year into the region.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight said this announcement was a significant boost for the region as the Airport worked to rebuild capacity.

“This is another round of fabulous news for our region and another vote of confidence in Coffs Harbour Airport,” Cr Knight said.

“Both Council and Palisade Investment Partners are focused on seeing passenger numbers return to pre COVID-19 levels as soon as possible. I’m delighted to welcome Rex back to the airport with these great new services.”

CEO of the management company that will oversee Coffs Harbour Airport, Andrew Brodie, said his team was delighted to work with Rex and Coffs Harbour City Council to offer passengers more choice and more frequency for travel between Coffs Harbour and Sydney.

“We believe by building more connections and supporting growth, Coffs Harbour Airport will play a critical role in helping the region recover from COVID-19 and reach its potential as a vibrant hub,” Mr Brodie said.

“The Rex services provide more choice and frequency for passengers travelling between Sydney and Coffs, and will provide a boost to the growing business travel market and for those keen to connect with family and friends.

“The extra flights are great news for the local tourism industry too, giving more Sydneysiders the opportunity to explore everything the Coffs Coast region offers.”

Rex’s General Manager Network Strategy, Warrick Lodge, said, “Finally the residents of Coffs Harbour can have access to reliable services at affordable fares.  Rex will be bringing its coveted Community Fare Scheme to the city with a lead-in fare of $119.  Fares are now on sale on our website”

“If our services are well-supported with over 40,000 annual passengers, we will add a fourth daily return on weekdays which will bring significant socio-economic benefits to the region.”

April 20, 2020
0

Flights continuing during COVID-19 between Coffs and Sydney for essential travel

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Qantas flights between Coffs Harbour and Sydney have been guaranteed for the next 8 weeks for those needing essential air travel. This is part of last week’s announcement from the Australian Government about an agreement with Qantas and Virgin to underwrite regional flights.

For Coffs Harbour Airport, it means there will be a minimum of 2 return flights per week. While pre-Easter some flights to and from Coffs Harbour were cancelled due to low passenger numbers, this new arrangement (effective immediately) gives those who must travel a reliable schedule to plan against during this crisis.

The flights are designed to ensure frontline and essential workers, defence personnel and important freight items such as medical supplies can get to Coffs Harbour and other regional areas.

All enquiries on schedules and ticketing should be directed to Qantas or your travel agent. And if it’s not essential to travel, please stay at home.​

Posted 20 April 2020.

October 4, 2018
1

Coffs Again Placed Alongside World’s Top Cities

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For the fourth year in a row Coffs Harbour has won the globally-acclaimed International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) World Festival and Event City Award.

The award means that Coffs Harbour has been ranked equally alongside cities such as Moscow, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Sydney and Philadelphia for the quality and variety of its annual events.

“Attracting visitors to the region through the events and festivals we host is a primary goal of Coffs Harbour City Council. Annually, we see many millions of dollars pumped directly into our local economy from the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to the city and region for such events,” said Daniel Heather, Council’s Section Leader Stadium and Major Events. “The city is now seen right across Australia as the go-to regional destination for major national and international events. Winning the IFEA Award for four years in succession is going to further cement our reputation globally, which means that the real winner will be the community.”

The work of Coffs Harbour’s community in encouraging the success and growth of festivals and events was a key reason why an international panel of experts selected the city for the award.

“The IFEA is pleased to recognise and highlight those cities and markets that have worked, through concerted efforts, to provide an environment conducive to successful festivals and events,” said IFEA President Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, during the award presentations in San Diego, California. “The quality of all the entries paints a bright picture for our industry and those cities recognised with this award are helping to build a strong foundation and example that we hope all cities, globally, will work to emulate.”

Growing events is a prime focus of the Coffs Harbour Event Strategy 2020. It is one of the reasons that Council is committed to upgrading facilities such as the C.ex Coffs International Stadium and the Cultural and Civic Space.

But equally important is supporting home-grown events. To help enthusiastic locals create successful festivals and events, last year Council launched the www.coffscoastevents.com.au website which has already helped launch new events like the Blues and Berries Fair.

Among the sporting and cultural events that helped Coffs Harbour win this most recent award were:

  • Kennard’s Hire Rally Australia – WRC World Rally Championship
  • Screenwave International Film Festival
  • Harmony Festival
  • Coffs Coast Food Festivals (including Woolgoolga Curryfest, Sawtell Chillifest, Taste Woolgoolga)
  • Midnight Oil concert
  • Women’s Ashes Cricket Series
  • Coffs Harbour International Buskers and Comedy Festival