Sydney Airport Message Board - Jetstar to fly Gold Coast-Tokyo

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JETSTAR this afternoon announced plans to commence direct flights from the Gold Coast to the Japanese capital of Tokyo in a major boost for local tourism.

The budget carrier will begin running five weekly flights from December.

Today's announcement follows news in May of Jetstar's intention to commence direct flights between the Gold Coast and Osaka, Japan's second biggest city, from October.

Gold Coast Airport Managing Director Dennis Chant said the announcement was symbolic of the future of tourism on the Gold Coast.

``The commitment from Jetstar is a real boost for the region and signifies their belief that the future of international tourism on the Gold Coast is looking brighter than ever,'' he said.

``Our research shows the vast majority of inbound Japanese passengers choose to end their journey on the Gold Coast so this is very positive news for the local tourism industry and Queensland tourism generally.''

Gold Coast Airport is currently expanding to include international facilities targeted directly to the low-cost carriers for fast turnarounds.

The boost comes after a week of speculation surrounding the aviation industry which is struggling under the pressure of high fuel prices.

Qantas and Jetstar last week announced plans to cut services to popular holiday destinations including the Gold Coast and the Whitsundays as part of a range of cost saving measures to combat.

Qantas will ditch its Gold Coast-Sydney route from August while Virgin Blue is rumoured to be examining its existing routes.

goldcoast.com.au