Airline bids not hurt by change
CAIRNS Airport has assured its plans to attract more airlines to the Far North have not been grounded by the departure of one of their high-flying executives.
Airport chief commercial officer for aviation, Paul McLean, has resigned during a crucial phase for the facility, which is looking to build on a surge in international tourism.
It is understood the aviation executive had been playing a key role in discussions with Emirates about securing a direct service from Cairns to United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Mr McLean, who began working at the airport two years ago, had previously been employed for 12 years at Air Canada.
An airport spokeswoman assured that Mr McLean’s departure had not jeopardised any plans for new international routes.
“The aviation team are continuing to work on growing aviation here, pending a replacement chief commercial officer,” she said.
Silk Air will be increasing its daily flight schedule from June this year, to connect with Singapore Airlines’ European flights.
The airport spokeswoman said this would provide locals with even more choice to flying international direct from Cairns, instead of flying south to fly north.
But she could not say whether there had been any progress with attracting Emirates to Cairns.
“We are in discussions with all airlines, constantly,” she said.