Scoot returning to Queensland

Following the recent announcement of quarantine-free international travel into Queensland for vaccinated passengers from 22 January 2022, Scoot announced it will resume three times weekly flight services between Singapore and Gold Coast with effect from 14 February 2022. Scoot Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson, said, “Scoot is delighted to be the first airline to resume international flights to and from Gold Coast, which will allow us to better support pent up demand for a myriad of business and leisure travel needs. Having flown more than 65 million customers with over close to a decade of flights, Australia remains a much-loved travel destination. Scoot served close to 130,000 travellers between Singapore and Gold Coast alone in 2019, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With our current network of 70 destinations, Scoot is looking forward to providing customers with opportunities to once again reignite their wanderlust, reunite with loved ones, and reconnect with concordant business counterparts.” Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills, welcomed news of Scoot returning to the Gold Coast from next month. “We can’t wait to see Scoot again, and welcome visitors from Singapore back to the Gold Coast,” he said. “It is fantastic to have a date for Scoot recommencing services, so soon after the Queensland border was reopened to international travellers. Many locals will be keen to book their trip, whether it’s to catch up with family and friends or experience everything Singapore has to offer. And the Gold Coast will be a very attractive destination for international visitors.” Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) also welcomed the announcement by the Queensland government to open international borders without restrictions for international travellers. BAC CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said today’s announcement is very good news for Queensland. “This is an incredibly exciting day for everyone at Brisbane Airport, our airlines and everyone associated with international aviation and visitation,” he said. “It takes us one step closer to re-uniting with the world. Our team at Brisbane Airport is more than ready for Saturday morning. They have kept the lights on throughout the pandemic and have done a phenomenal job in adapting to the ever-changing requirements over the past two years. Rebuilding international travel into and out of Brisbane Airport will take many months, as we will need destinations for Australians and inbound market nations to reopen. We are not expecting to return to 2019 route and passenger levels until 2024. In the coming months, we hope to see some uptick in some passenger sectors coming into Queensland, especially with the return of international students for the commencement of university term. The State’s agricultural harvest is also under way and needing workers. Most importantly, there will be many families who will be greatly relieved that they can now reunite in Queensland as and when they need. We think the visiting friends and family sector will be the first to jump at this chance and hop on a plane to Queensland.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]