The immediate opportunities and future potential of Gold Coast Airport as a fully international customs port, are being overlooked by local importers and exporters.
“Many Gold Coast businesses are still freighting their goods in and out of Brisbane, simply because they aren’t aware that Gold Coast Airport offers a simple and cost effective ‘gateway’ to access global markets,” said James Sparke, managing director of Varsity Lakes-based freight forwarding agency, One Global Logistics.
“Now, with a host of new international airlines on the horizon, I expect the export business to boom, right here in our own backyard.”
Managing director of Queensland Airports Limited Dennis Chant said there were more international services operating out of Gold Coast Airport than ever before.
“Local exporters can access international markets via a range of direct flights daily from the Gold Coast to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan via Jetstar international, and to Malaysia with AirAsia X. There are also more than 20 flights per week to New Zealand,” he said.
“With daily connections to Kuala Lumpur and twice-daily operations to Japan, it opens up great growth potential to many other Asian ports,” Mr Chant said.
James said One Global Logistics has seen many clients tap into the Gold Coast Airport’s network of international destinations.
“Geographically, Gold Coast and Northern Rivers manufacturers are perfectly positioned to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Gold Coast Airport. Many have toyed with the idea of testing overseas markets but mistakenly think it’s beyond the realms of possibility,” said James.
“Our company has helped many small businesses plot a course for global expansion, including a number of Northern Rivers manufacturers that now successfully export health and beauty products via Gold Coast Airport. We also have clients that export produce and food products, including the Byron Bay Cookie Company, whose products are available in Europe, the Middle East and Japan.
“When cargo hits the tarmac in Kuala Lumpur via AirAsia X, the doors open to another 80 destinations, including Northern Asia and the United Kingdom,” said James.
Everything from clothing and swimwear, sporting goods, giftware, peripherals, marine spare parts, surfboards and eyewear now flood in and out of the country via Gold Coast Airport, not just via AirAsia X, but via other carriers such as Jetstar, Pacific Blue and Air New Zealand.