LOVE IS IN THE AIR, AS SCOOT AND THE GOLD COAST REUNITE

WORDS: PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Usher and Luke Marsden

The love affair between Scoot and the Gold Coast and northern NSW region will soar again from today when the Singapore-based airline returns to Gold Coast Airport on Valentine’s Day – after almost two years apart.

In the lead up, a “Love Is in the Air” message was created in the sand of North Burleigh Beach for Scoot passengers and the airline. And the first passengers are receiving a love-ly welcome back to the region, with ‘GCA loves Scoot’ lollipops handed out and free entry into the Valentine’s Day- themed koala enclosure at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, along with a photo with the much-loved animals.

The Scoot Gold Coast-Singapore service is expected to be popular in both directions, as Gold Coast and northern NSW residents look to refresh their travel bucket lists. From today, Scoot is again offering easy, affordable access into Singapore and beyond to other destinations in Asia and Europe.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said it was exciting to be finally welcoming Scoot and international passengers back to Gold Coast Airport.

“Valentine’s Day is the perfect day for this service to return. The tourism industry loves Scoot and the airline loves the Gold Coast and northern NSW,” he said.

“Many Australians have a real passion for international travel as well and this service will deliver easy, affordable access into Singapore and beyond – prompting many people to take another look at their bucket lists and start making overseas travel plans.”

Mr Mills said while it would take time for international travel to recover – the restart of the Scoot service was an important next step.

“International travel has more complexity than domestic services and it will take time for the numbers to build back up,” he said.

“It will take a while to get back to the million international passengers a year that were travelling through Gold Coast Airport pre-COVID-19.”

Mr Mills said Scoot had an extensive network through one of the world’s largest aviation hubs and the Gold Coast-Singapore service would allow travel into the Gold Coast from other parts of Asia, India and Europe.

Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson said with the recent announcement on the upcoming reopening of Australia’s borders to the world, the resumption of Scoot’s Singapore-Gold Coast service could not have come at a better time.

“Since we launched this route a decade ago, over a million people have flown with us to experience the picturesque attractions of the Gold Coast, and the cosmopolitan bustle of Singapore,” he said.

“It is evident that the Gold Coast remains a much-loved destination, and commemorating our return here on Valentine’s Day makes it all the more special as we look forward to reuniting loved ones across borders and reigniting the love for travel.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said international aviation was critical to the recovery of the Gold Coast’s visitor economy.

“Scoot’s return to Gold Coast Airport is the first instalment in the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million partnership with Queensland’s international airports and tourism industry to secure overseas arrivals for our world-class destinations,” he said.

“More international flights mean more overseas visitors spending with Gold Coast businesses.

“Before the pandemic, more than a million international arrivals generated just over $1.3 billion on the Gold Coast, supporting local jobs and the visitor economy.

“We want to make it easy and affordable to fly from just about anywhere in the world to the Gold Coast, Australia’s favourite holiday getaway destination.

“Scoot’s Singapore to Gold Coast service does both.

“Singapore’s international aviation hub strategically connects the Gold Coast with overseas visitors from 144 cities in 45 countries.

“The Palaszczuk Government is backing-in Scoot’s Gold Coast flight schedule with our successful Queensland’s Good to Go campaign on Singaporean TV, digital and outdoor platforms.”

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the long-awaited return of Gold Coast’s first international service represented a significant milestone for recovery.

“The tides are turning for tourism on the Gold Coast and we are thrilled to once again welcome Scoot back, which is the beginning of an exceptionally bright future ahead for international travel,” she said.

“The Gold Coast has gone through a significant transformation with new experiences and attractions just waiting to be explored. From our warm climate and picturesque swimming spots to new rides at theme parks, a burgeoning dining scene, world-class cultural experiences and rainforest hinterland.

“Thank you to Scoot for their vote of confidence in the Gold Coast and for the valued support of our partners Gold Coast Airport, State Government and the City of Gold Coast.”

The Gold Coast Airport terminal expansion will be ready for the facilitation of international passengers and services later this year – supporting the recovery in flights between Australia and overseas destinations. The three-level, 30,000sq m expansion doubles the Gold Coast Airport terminal footprint and includes four aerobridges.

Background:
− It has been about six months since a commercial international flight operated at Gold Coast Airport and the last international flight pre-COVID-19 arrived at Gold Coast Airport on 24 March 2020.
− Scoot will deliver more than 52,000 seats into the Gold Coast annually out of Singapore, benefitting local tourism operators and small businesses.
− The service has re-started as the Federal Government last week confirmed the reopening of Australia’s borders to all fully vaccinated travellers from 21 February.
− Pre-COVID-19, about 124,000 people travelled between the Gold Coast and Singapore each year and almost one million of Gold Coast Airport’s passengers travelled overseas.