Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia announced yesterday the airlines would operate at least five additional return A320 services per week from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to Queenstown.
The capacity boost followed the launch last week of seasonal direct alliance services between Christchurch and Perth, which will start in December this year.
Air New Zealand deputy chief executive and acting chief sales officer Norm Thompson said the alliance will operate up to 30 direct transtasman services to Queenstown per week during winter, compared with nine weekly services during the ski season only five years ago.
''Year-on-year growth has placed Queenstown as New Zealand's fastest-growing destination for Australian visitors,'' Mr Thompson said.
''This is due in no small part to our significant increase in capacity over time.''
NZSki chief executive James Coddington said the winter capacity boost was ''fantastic news for Queenstown and everyone involved in tourism in Queenstown,'' when asked to comment yesterday.
''`There's no doubt the Australians would prefer to come directly into Queenstown, be three hours from point to point, as opposed to via another gateway.''
Destination Queenstown chief executive Graham Budd, attending Trenz in Auckland, also said yesterday the extra capacity was ''great news''.
''The boost in services from our key Australian markets of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will make Queenstown an even more appealing short-haul winter holiday destination for Aussies,'' Mr Budd said.
''It's an easy three-hour flight to Queenstown and the spectacular lake and alpine scenery, choice of six skifields, world-class activities, range of accommodation and vibrant apres ski scene make it the perfect holiday choice for all ages and budgets.''
Coronet Peak was on course to open on June 8 and the Remarkables on June 22.
There was increased interest in working for NZSki from around the world and ''thousands upon thousands'' of job applications were being vigorously evaluated for interviews after the deadline on Sunday.
''There's just over 65% return rate this year, so on a 1100 to 1200 staff, there's around about 400 to 450 positions we are looking to fill,'' Mr Coddington said.
