Toowoomba’s privately operated Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport is now the nation’s largest regional export hub, following a new flight launched by Singapore Airlines on Friday (June 19 2020).
The Singapore Airline flight joins additional flights from Cathay Pacific, bringing over $2.4 million of economic activity to the state each week.
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) CEO Ali Davenport said it’s the first new flight route for any airline post COVID and will double the region’s export capacity, bringing it in line with Adelaide and Perth.
“Our region has been identified as the third most diverse economy in Australia. With a thriving agriculture and resources sector, Toowoomba is perfectly positioned to lead international exports, with a primary focus on Asian markets,” Ms Davenport said.
“TSBE is pleased to have facilitated the successful coordination between Governments and independent contractors to enable increased freight capacity of the region from 80 tonne to 160 tonne per week.
“This is a major coup for our region and shows a continued support for Toowoomba being Australia’s key inland port.”
TSBE Food Leaders Australia General Manager, Bruce McConnel, said this increase of services comes at a vital time for regional exporters after supply chain disruptions during COVID-19.
“Our regions exporters are struggling to get capacity to continue to deliver our high-quality regional food into international markets,” Mr McConnel said.
“We have moved from significant capacity on underbelly planes, to very little freight capacity which has caused problems for our regions exporters.”
“This long-term commitment from major airlines is not only a sign of confidence in our region, but also gives our exporters a chance to get our sort-after regional product to the world.”
Source: Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport