Jake Nelson

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has signed off on the master plan, with permission granted for childcare, medical, shopping and other services in a bid to turn Sunshine Coast into a “modern world-class airport” that will add more to the local economy.

Speaking exclusively to Australian Aviation, Malaysia Aviation Group’s chief commercial officer, airline business, Dersenish Aresandiran, said the carrier wants to improve the cabin experience for Australian passengers travelling to and from Kuala Lumpur.

The Flying Kangaroo’s new domestic aircraft, which will replace its older 737-800s, are commencing Brisbane services as of Monday 17 November. Initially operating one return service per day, Qantas expects the A321XLR to expand its presence in Brisbane as more of the aircraft arrive.

The new $500 million baggage system, slated to be up and running in early 2026, will use totes, electronic sorting, and an early bag store capable of holding around 1,400 pieces of luggage at a time to increase capacity and enable real-time bag tracking from the moment of check-in.

Operating over the winter and spring months from 22 June to 23 October 2026, the service will fly three times per week on A320neo aircraft, offering a total of 17,560 additional seats between Queensland and the South Island.

Speaking at the meeting on Friday, CEO Dave Emerson said the airline had seen a successful 2025 financial year, with 20.7 million customers flown and a statutory net profit after tax of $479 million, and that trading for 2026 to date is in line with its expectations.