The Sunshine State’s tourism economy has been boosted by today’s permanent return of Korean Air flights from Seoul to Brisbane.
Korean Air will fly to Brisbane five times a week, with Korean tourists set to inject more than $120 million dollars into the Queensland economy each year.
The additional 89,000 inbound seats each year will also support 1,230 direct and indirect jobs in Queensland.
“South Korea is an economic powerhouse and this state’s third largest trading market and a major technology partner in Queensland’s new energy economy,’ CEO, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Gert-Jan de Graaff.
The return of permanent flights turns the tap back on for large scale South Korean tourism to Queensland and makes it easier for students to study here and their families to visit,” he said.
The returning flight has been enabled by Queensland’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, a joint venture between Brisbane Airport Corporation and the Queensland Government.
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed Korean Air’s return to Queensland skies.
“Korean Air’s direct flights to Brisbane from Seoul-Incheon Airport are important to Queensland’s post-pandemic international visitor recovery,” Hinchliffe said.
“I know tourism operators are looking forward to welcoming back Korean travellers to share Queensland’s great lifestyle and our unique, world-class visitor experiences.
“The return of convenient, direct services from Seoul is good news for leisure visitors, working holidaymakers and the growing cohort of Korean students choosing Queensland as their preferred study destination.”
Mr Jason Jeong, Korean Air’s Regional Manager for Australia welcomed the resumption, as the airline prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary of services to Brisbane.
“We are ready and excited to welcome back Queenslanders on our flights. I must thank the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport Corporation for assisting Korean Air relaunch services,” said Jeong.
“Queenslanders will now be able to enjoy Korean Air’s 5 weekly services to Seoul and beyond to many exciting destinations once again.”
Korean Air is one of the world’s largest air cargo carriers, and the Boeing 777 serving the route will be welcomed by Queensland’s exporters that rely on safe and reliable air cargo services to export to not only the Korean market but to all corners of the world.
Korean Air will arrive in Brisbane on Monday 24 April at 0650 and depart at 0840.
