Norfolk Air to bring the Gold Coast on line

[Kurt A]

Norfolk Air today announced it will become the newest international airline to fly into the Gold Coast when direct flights begin to Norfolk Island on October 2 this year.

The flights will leave Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta at 10.30am every Thursday and arrive on the island at 2.05pm local time. Return flights will leave at 3.05pm the same day, arriving back on the Gold Coast at 3.50pm.

Strong growth over the past 14 months has seen Norfolk Air operating three services a week to Brisbane and Sydney and one each to Melbourne and Newcastle. A second Melbourne service is to begin on September 1st.

“The new Gold Coast service is a very exciting development for Norfolk Air because it will provide direct access into a catchment of more than a million potential passengers, many in our top market demographic,” said Norfolk Air Commercial Manager Becky Nobbs.

Ms Nobbs said the new service, which would use a Boeing 737-300 offering 126 Economy and four Premium Economy seats.
“We’re planning to launch a marketing campaign and a roadshow with Norfolk Island Tourism to get the word out about the new service as quickly as possible,” she added.

NIT General Manager Terry Watson said he was delighted with the new service becausethe Gold Coast and Northern Rivers regions were strong traditional markets for Norfolk Island.

“Norfolk Island appeals to Australians because it is a very affordable international destination offering a vast range of tours and activities,” Mr Watson added.

“Its affordability means holidaymakers can stay on the island longer, making the Thursday flights ideal for those wanting to get away for a week or more.”

Norfolk Air is owned by the Norfolk Island Government. Passports or a Document of Identity available from local post offices are required for travel to the island, an External Territory of Australia.

To introduce the new service, Norfolk wholesaler Norfolk Select is offering seven night packages from the Gold Coast to Norfolk Island from $1099 per person twin-share, including return flights, prepaid taxes, on-island transfers, accommodation at Daydreamer Apartments, car hire (insurance extra), and an island tour. Offer available until June 30, 2008 for travel to March 26, 2009.

-eTravel