NEWCASTLE Airport would consider joining forces with Newcastle Port Corporation to bring people from all over Australia to the Hunter if a cruise ship company made a long-term commitment to the region.
P&O Cruises' luxury liner, Pacific Sun, made its maiden voyage out of Newcastle yesterday as part of a two-year deal with the corporation and Cruise Hunter.
Pacific Sun is expected to boost the Hunter economy by more than $3 million over the next two years.
"We have negotiated a deal for car parking at the airport for passengers cruising on the Pacific Sun," Airport chief executive officer Paul Hughes said.
If a long-term cruise ship deal were done, the airport would be happy to negotiate a cross-marketing deal with the port, he said.
Airport shuttle buses easily connected 130 passengers from Williamtown to Dyke Point yesterday.
- Neil Goffet
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