- Virgin Australia flights from Tokyo-Haneda to Cairns on sale from today
- Year-round, daily services start 28 June 2023
- Flights are predicted to land more than 30,000 visitors in first year, supporting 680 jobs and $69.5m for Cairns' visitor economy.
Virgin Australia has announced in Japan fares are now on sale for direct flights to Cairns from Tokyo-Haneda Airport.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, Tourism Australia and Tourism Tropical North Queensland joined Virgin Australia at Tokyo-Haneda Airport for today's launch.
Virgin Australia's year-round, daily services from Tokyo-Haneda take off from 28 June 2023 and are predicted to land more than 30,000 visitors from Japan in Cairns during the first year of operation.
It's estimated Virgin Australia's direct flights to Cairns will generate $69.5 million for Tropical North Queensland's visitor economy and support 680 good Queensland jobs.
Virgin Australia flights from Tokyo-Haneda have been secured by the Palaszczuk Government's $200m Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF) in partnership with Cairns International Airport.
Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy said:
"This is fantastic news for Cairns and Tropical North Queensland tourism operators as we continue to rebuild our international visitor economy.
"Tropical North Queensland is a much-loved destination for Japanese visitors looking for an unforgettable holiday exploring the reef and the planet's oldest rainforests.
"Virgin Australia's direct services to Cairns from Tokyo-Haneda make it even easier for Japanese visitors to enjoy our unique, world-class tourism experiences and great hospitality."
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said:
"Virgin Australia's fare launch in Japan is an important step in the post-Covid recovery of Tropical North Queensland's international visitor economy.
"We're excited to welcome more Japanese visitors back to Queensland to share our great lifestyle, amazing Indigenous cultures and world-famous tourism experiences.
"Today's launch is another example of the Palaszczuk Government's $200 million aviation war chest fast-tracking direct international flights to Queensland destinations and driving tourism recovery."
Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said:
"Virgin Australia is proud to be the first airline to offer direct services between Haneda, Tokyo and Cairns from 28 June, providing more value and choice for Japanese travellers wanting to experience all that Queensland has to offer.
"The daily, year-round services will bring much needed competition to the market while showcasing Virgin Australia's award-winning service and great value airfares.
"As a proud Queensland company, we look forward to welcoming even more Japanese travellers into the Sunshine State to enjoy our unrivalled natural wonders, world-class experiences and more."
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said:
"We are excited by the travel opportunity this connection presents for people living all over Japan, especially the many regional cities serviced by ANA.
"Cairns is the closest gateway to Australia for Japan with just a one-hour time difference and a year-round warm climate perfect for holiday makers, education groups and business event delegates.
"Tourism Tropical North Queensland is working closely with our industry and stakeholders towards the launch of the new service and will be supporting it with media and influencer educationals, seminars, a trade mission and promotional activities with our partners."
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said:
"This is an exciting and highly significant development for our region's tourism industry and economy as we continue our post-COVID recovery.
"Data shows us that large numbers of Japanese tourists visit Cairns when a full-service carrier, like Virgin Australia, offers direct flights to Tokyo-Haneda.
We have not had these services in Cairns for more than 10 years and we expect that the commencement of these flights will lead to a major increase of Japanese tourists in the region, particularly given Virgin Australia's affiliation with All Nippon Airways (ANA), a trusted global carrier favoured by Japanese travellers.
"It is great to see these flights on sale today and we are looking forward to the commencement of this service from June."
