Friday 4 May marks 80 years since the first commercial international flight into Cairns. It was operated by WR Carpenter Airlines and marked the start of a regular service between Sydney and New Guinea.
The first official flight used a DH86B aircraft. It took off from Sydney on 4 May 1938 and landed in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns, Cooktown and Horn Island before arriving in New Guinea. Cooktown was dropped from the route in 1941 and Cairns became the port of entry into Australia.
The service ended soon after that as the threat of a Japanese invasion grew. Air Niugini have operated flights between PNG and Cairns continually since 1975 and other airlines have also operated services at various times.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer, Norris Carter said the airport’s international services have come a long way since their humble beginnings back in 1938, when the first flights between Cairns and Papua New Guinea took place.
“Today we have a strong network of direct international services to Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, mainland China and Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Bali.”
“These flights offer convenient access for visitors from Asia, Europe and North America as well as providing the shortest international travel options for locals.”
“Aviation is a key economic driver for Cairns. The airport works with tourism, government and industry partners to grow airline services and aviation related businesses to generate greater prosperity for Far North Queensland.”
