MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 17 March 2009 AA072/2009

JETSTAR TO REINSTATE CAIRNS-OSAKA FLIGHTS I welcome today's announcement by Jetstar that it will reinstate direct flights between Cairns and Osaka in December. The reintroduction of this service will provide a significant boost for Far North Queensland's tourism industry, particularly given the difficult times it has experienced in recent years. In fact only yesterday I met with the general manager of Cairns Airport and representatives from Tourism Tropical North Queensland to discuss future opportunities for local businesses and tourism operators. Jetstar's decision is a vote of confidence in the future of the Australian aviation and tourism industries. Japan is one of this nation's largest sources of tourists.  Last year alone, more than half a million Japanese visited Australia. Media Contacts Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/March/AA072_2009.htm