Direct Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) Link to Mackay Airport from the Sunshine Coast Expected

Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the local resources industry are expected to benefit from the recent announcement that direct FIFO charters flights to Mackay will be taking off before Christmas.

The Sunshine Coast Airport manager recently said that he was confident a deal would be in place by the end of the year, providing a major boost for the region's FIFO workforce.

There is a strong demand with up to 10,000 Sunshine Coast residents involved in the mining industry. The Sunshine Coast Airport is reportedly facilitating discussions amongst all stakeholders - the mining companies, the airlines and the recruitment agencies - and believe it flight can start before Christmas.

The first aim was to secure regular trips to Mackay, followed by Gladstone, Emerald and Cairns.

Skytrans Dash-8-300 VH-QQP at Clermont Aerodrome  (file photo)

FIFO flights operated by Skytrans Airlines current depart the Sunshine Coast twice a week - each Monday and Thursday - bound for Clermont Aerodrome, with the return flight departing Clermont on Tuesday and Friday mornings.