Solomon Airlines has introduced a new weekly direct flight from Auckland to Brisbane, injecting an additional 14,000 seats annually into the trans-Tasman market.
This expansion is poised to ease travel constraints and offer more options for both leisure and business travelers.
Scott Tasker, Auckland Airport’s Chief Customer Officer, warmly welcomed the new service, highlighting Brisbane’s enduring popularity among Kiwis.
“Brisbane is a fantastic gateway,” he explained. “Whether you’re looking to explore the city itself, venture to the nearby theme parks, relax on pristine beaches, or discover the scenic hinterlands, it’s a perfect starting point.”
Furthermore, the significant New Zealand expat community residing in Queensland, estimated at around 200,000, underscores the importance of robust travel links.
“With approximately 5% of Queensland’s population being New Zealanders,” Tasker noted, “there’s a constant flow of people reconnecting with friends and family.”
Trans-Tasman Travel Still Recovering
While international markets like the USA and China have rebounded strongly post-pandemic, trans-Tasman travel is still working towards full recovery. Tasker acknowledged the challenges faced by travelers due to limited capacity.
“At times, the relatively tight capacity has led to higher fares, particularly during peak seasons,” he said. “Therefore, any increase in seat availability and traveler options is a positive development.”
This new weekly service from Solomon Airlines also provides crucial onward connections to the Solomon Islands, enabling same-day travel for seasonal workers.
This is a significant benefit for New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries, which rely heavily on this workforce.
Strategic Timing of Service
John Wopereis, Commercial Manager at Solomon Airlines, emphasized the strategic timing of the flights. “The Auckland-Brisbane flights, in both directions, are scheduled to offer excellent connectivity,” he stated.
“This makes travel more convenient and affordable for business and leisure travelers, Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers, and those visiting friends and family across Australia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands.”
Tasker echoed this sentiment, recognizing the vital role of consistent connectivity between the Solomon Islands and Auckland for seasonal workers.
“Solomon Airlines’ flights through Brisbane and onward to the Solomon Islands exemplify how reliable air connectivity benefits New Zealand’s economy,” he said. “Our horticulture and viticulture sectors have grown and thrived, thanks in large part to access to this crucial seasonal workforce.”
Service Inauguration
The new service commenced Friday 21 February, with Solomon Airlines departing Auckland every Friday at 6:00 am NZDT, arriving in Brisbane at 6:45 am AEST.
This allows for a full day of work or seamless transfers to connecting flights. Additionally, Solomon Airlines offers same-day flights from Brisbane to Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, and Munda in the Western Province.
It facilitates same-day connections between Auckland and the Solomon Islands. The return flight from Brisbane to Auckland departs each Friday at 6:25 pm AEST, with a scheduled arrival at 12:30 am NZDT on Saturdays.
Beyond Brisbane, Solomon Airlines also operates twice-weekly flights from Auckland to Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, further expanding regional connectivity.
To celebrate the launch, Solomon Airlines is offering special introductory fares for the Auckland-Brisbane route, starting at NZD$255 one way and NZD$587 return.
These fares include a meal, drinks, and a generous 30kgs checked baggage allowance, valid until sold out. This initiative promises to make travel between New Zealand and Australia even more accessible and affordable.
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