Funding fires up flights

Cash boost, new freight service

STATE and Federal funding packages are helping Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport lift off.

The State Government has today launched a multimilliondollar funding package aimed at getting regional airports back in the skies, while Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport yesterday announced the start of a six-week long freight service to Singapore operated by Singapore Airlines.

The Singapore Airlines Airbus 350-900 is scheduled to make its inaugural landing at 7.40pm on Friday, June 19.

The service will operate under the temporary Federal Government International Freight Assistance Mechanism, a program that aids South East Queensland exporters with time-sensitive goods, during a time when air cargo capacity has been significantly reduced.

Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner said the airport was delighted to welcome its first Singapore Airlines flight, and was in talks with other freighters about future services.

The State Government’s $5 million regional airport package announced today by Tourism Minister Kate Jones is available to Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport to help secure intrastate passenger flights.

“We’re doing everything we can to fast-track Toowoomba’s economic recovery and create jobs for locals,” Ms Jones said.

“We’ve invested more in flights than any government in Queensland’s history because we understand that flights mean jobs for locals.

“Today’s announcement gives the team at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport the funding they need to secure more flights to our region.

“The flow-on benefits for our community could be massive – providing a real boost for local businesses at a time they need it most.”