Auckland-to-Newcastle flights to start for finale

The Coates Hire Newcastle 500 may be set for a New Zealand invasion with the announcement Virgin Australia will deliver direct flights from Auckland to Newcastle.

As the major partner of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, Virgin will commence the thrice-weekly return flights from November 22 this year, the Friday of the Supercars finale.

Coates Hire Newcastle 500 | Tickets | Info

Kiwis Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen currently occupy the top two places in the standings.

Coates Hire Newcastle 500 Event Manager Kurt Sakzewski said the timing was perfect to celebrate the first direct flight from Auckland into Newcastle in 16 years with a plane full of Supercars supporters.

“This is great news for the event as we know how strong and passionate our support base is in New Zealand and how many people already travel across for Supercars events,” Sakzewski said.

“We expect this will grow our visitation number further with the ability to entice New Zealanders with the luxury of having direct flights that can take them straight to the door.

“As a direct result we will look to increase our marketing activities in New Zealand in conjunction with our major partner Virgin to encourage Kiwis to come across for what is one of the biggest and best events on our calendar.

“Coupled with the fact there is every likelihood at least two New Zealanders will be in the mix for a Championship, this is very exciting news.”

The new flights will make Virgin Australia the first airline to provide an international service from the upgraded Newcastle Airport.

Virgin Australia will operate three return services per week during the peak holiday period from November 22, 2018, to February 17, 2019, creating a gateway to the rest of New Zealand as well as the Greater Hunter Region.

Many Supercars events including Newcastle benefit from additional Virgin services and travel packages. All Supercars officials, teams and drivers also fly Virgin throughout the Championship.

The new flights between Newcastle and Auckland are on sale now at www.virginaustralia.com for AUD$199 one way, excluding checked baggage.