New Fly-In Fly-Out Service Between Gold Coast and Gladstone Airports (??)

SOURCE: The Gladstone Observer Newspaper - Thursday 21 April 2011

Flights from Gladstone direct to the Gold Coast could be a reality if a Gold Coast airport chief has anything to say about it.

Paul Donovan, the Gold Coast Airport CEO told The Observer meetings between the airport company and airlines will be taking place soon to introduce flights to mining areas including Gladstone.

“You’ve got fly in fly out (FIFO) at Brisbane and what we are trying to do is kick start the Gold Coast economy,” Mr Donovan said.

“It will enable people to live on the Gold Coast and for people that already live here to work in Gladstone and come home.

"People will have direct access and enjoy what the Gold Coast has to offer."

Mr Donovan’s comments come after the Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser suggested the Gold Coast should capitalise on FIFO workers to boost jobs.

“It’s a double edged sword from our view,” Mr Donovan said.

“There are a lot of people out of work on the Gold Coast and this will give them options of getting into the mines.

“Our people will be in discussions with all the airlines that do the fly in fly outs. We are already working with Strategic Airlines for flights to Gladstone,” he said.