Cairns International Airport reported an extra 13,540 passengers used its international and domestic services in the month of May, representing a 9.5% increase in international passengers at just over 4,000, according to airport CEO Norris Carter.

 

Looking at the growth at the modestly-sized in Australian airport, Carter added: “The Hong Kong Airlines service was a key contributor to this growth, achieving a massive 164% uplift on their numbers for May 2016.

 

HONG KONG AND CHINA TRAFFIC

“This service captures traffic from Hong Kong, mainland China and other parts of Asia and Europe, adding to the Cathay Pacific service from Hong Kong. Hong Kong Airlines were operating an additional service per week this May compared to last year and also increased the loads on their flights.

 

 

“The Jetstar Bali service has also seen excellent growth of 47%. Again, this was boosted by an additional service per week and fuller planes.”

 

“Domestic growth continued with 8,650 more passengers. Our key domestic routes of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne had an extra 4,100 passengers giving us an increase of 1.86% over last year, while an additional 3,000 passengers on our combined regional routes delivered a 9.0% increase in that sector.”

 

NEW COMMERCIAL OFFICER – AVIATION

Meanwhile, in other news, Cairns Airport has appointed Paul McLean as its new Chief Commercial Officer – Aviation. He joins in August when he will be responsible for growing airline services and passenger numbers by working with airlines and the tourism industry.

 

“This is a crucial role as we work to increase our direct international connections to provide convenient access for visitors to the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef and Tropical Rainforests,” said Carter.

 

“Paul has spent the past 12 years with Air Canada in senior sales and marketing roles, most recently as General Manager, Australia and New Zealand.

 

VICTORIA’S SECRET SALE WITH AELIA IN T2

“His vision and growth strategy for the airline saw it achieve its best years ever in the south Pacific region. He was instrumental in Air Canada launching flights from Vancouver to Brisbane and announcing flights to Melbourne.”

 

Last but not least, Cairns Airport Terminal 2 Domestic was also the venue for the Victoria’s Secret semi-annual sale from 1 June this month, offering 50% off beauty products and 40% off accessories.