United Airlines’ first Queensland flight touches down in Brisbane, connecting US visitors to Queensland’s great holiday lifestyle and supporting up to 260 outstanding Queensland jobs.
The first three weekly services from San Francisco are one of six guaranteed by Queensland’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF) in partnership with four Queensland international airports. is.
Minister for Tourism Sterling Hincliffe welcomed United Airlines passengers as they landed in Brisbane with U.S. Consul General Christine Elder.
“This is just the beginning of history,” said Hinchliffe.
“United Airlines’ first direct flight is Queensland’s boarding pass to the next phase of international tourism recovery.
“We know aviation is absolutely critical to rebuilding Queensland’s $6 billion international tourist economy. That’s why.
“United Airlines from San Francisco alone is expected to contribute $27 million to the state’s tourist economy, providing an additional 40,000 inbound seats and supporting 260 outstanding Queensland jobs.
“The 250 passengers on United’s 787 Dreamliner will be the first of many Americans to share the great Queensland lifestyle and enjoy an iconic visitor experience.
Tourism and Events Queensland is backing United Airlines flights to Northern California to inspire potential visitors to Seigiday the Queensland way.
“Say Goode the Queensland Way, highlighting the experiences of many visitors from the outback to the reef, is airing in the US with Tourism Australia’s campaign featuring Ruby the Kangaroo.
“The US was Queensland’s third largest inbound travel market pre-Covid, bringing in 236,000 annual visitors and spending $419 million.
“We want American travelers to enjoy Queensland’s great lifestyle and world-class visitor experience, stay longer and support local jobs.”
Pre-Covid, US visitors spent an average of 10.7 days in Queensland.
Passengers boarding in San Francisco experienced Queensland’s world-famous hospitality at Brisbane’s Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with a travel pack that included Australian snacks, plush koalas and a koala petting experience.
Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President, Global Network Planning and Alliances, United Airlines, said: A new transpacific destination to the global network since the start of the pandemic.
“United has a long history in Australia and with our new partnership with Virgin Australia, now is the perfect time to expand our offerings and offer our customers convenient flight options on both sides of the Pacific.
Gert-Jan de Graff, CEO of Brisbane Airport Corporation, said: 96 years later, the routes they pioneered now bring thousands of tourists to Queensland.
“The first pioneering journey took 83 hours and 38 minutes, now it’s a 13 hour and 45 minute flight, and the historic Southern Cross aircraft sits across from the international terminal where United Airlines docked this morning. ‘ he said.
Hinkliffe congratulated Brisbane Airport Corporation and United Airlines on their aviation partnership.
“This exciting partnership will strengthen Queensland’s global reputation as a destination of choice.
“With ten years of green and gold runways to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032, more than any other destination in Australia, it is an exciting time to be in Queensland.”
The six international services secured so far by Queensland’s $200 million AAIF are expected to send 152,000 international visitors, support over 3,000 jobs and generate $314.5 million. I’m here.