Testing the market for a new Asian airline to Cairns

A multimillion-dollar aviation fund is expected to be dangled to lure a new airline to Cairns to replace Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong route.

THE Queensland Government is expected to use its multimillion-dollar Attracting Aviation Investment Fund to lure an airline to replace the Cathay Pacific service between Cairns and Hong Kong.

The Palaszczuk Government will join Cairns Airport and the Cairns Regional Council to test the market for a new airline to transport freight and tourists between the Far North and Asia.

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Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones will today announce an expression of interest process (which) “will see us actively engage with airlines keen to fly between Tropical North Queensland and key trade and tourism hubs in Asia”.

“Improving our tourism and trade links with Asia is crucial when it comes to growing the Cairns economy,” she said.

Cathay Pacific signs at the Cairns International Airport. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“We … recognise the importance of the Tropical North as a trade hub for Queensland – particularly given our commitment to strengthen trade ties in South-East Asia.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the EOI would be assessed based on the frequency, route and duration of flights, ability to shift around 60 tonnes of freight a week and other factors.

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Air Niugini has held talks with Far North Queensland business leaders about taking over the freight route to Hong Kong when Cathay Pacific stops flying to Cairns in October. Air Niugini Managing Director Alan Milne at Cairns International Airport. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“The freight component will predominantly be live seafood, some of which requires dangerous goods certification, plus other agricultural produce and general freight.”

Air Niugini is already offering flights to Hong Kong via Port Moresby.

Expressions of interest close on July 22 and a decision was expected by the end of August.

Originally published as Testing the market for a new Asian airline to Cairns