LATEST: Passengers to arrive at the Sunshine Coast on the first flight ever from Adelaide are relieved to escape from the wild weather to some sunshine.

As passengers disembarked the plane they spoke of how glad they were to be able to take off their jackets and not be covered in rain.

They hi-fived mascots from the Sunshine Coasts most iconic attractions. Members from Australia Zoo, Aussie World, the big kart track, sea life Mooloolaba, the ginger factory, visit Sunshine Coast volunteers and the surf lifesavers all welcomed the visitors.

Passengers on the first flight down to Adelaide are now boarding.
 

EARLIER: THE first of Jetstar's new Sunshine Coast to Adelaide flights will take off and touch down at Sunshine Coast Airport this morning to a colourful and vibrant Sunshine Coast welcome.

Passengers disembarking from the first arriving flight will be greeted by characters from Aussie World, Sea Life Mooloolaba, The Ginger Factory, Big Kart Track and Australia Zoo, as well as receiving a welcome goodie bag from Visit Sunshine Coast volunteers to ensure their Sunshine Coast stay is as good as it could be.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the new services would provide 56,000 seats between Adelaide and the Sunshine Coast each year and operate three times per week.

"Jetstar's investment in the region is outstanding," Cr Jamieson said.

"Our South Australian visitors will now be able to easily access the Sunshine Coast and the service will also connect friends and families who live in the two regions.

"Not only will South Australian's be able to enjoy their holidays here but our residents will be able to take a direct flight from their home airport to sample the delights that South Australia has to offer.

"It's a great addition to the services our airport offers and I encourage all travellers to take advantage of them."

Jetstar Group chief commercial officer Catriona Larritt said demand for the new Adelaide-Sunshine Coast flights has been strong, particularly as the services take off in school holidays.

"Our customers love visiting the Sunshine Coast, so we're excited to now offer direct connections from three interstate capitals with the launch of our Adelaide flights today, in addition to our popular Sydney and Melbourne services," Ms Larritt said.

"We now offer three times more flights into the Sunshine Coast than any other airline and we're proud to support local travellers and tourism with another direct, low fares route."

Services between Adelaide and the Sunshine Coast will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday each week.

Schedule on Friday September 30

JQ800 Adelaide - Sunshine Coast Dep: 6.00am, Arr: 8.50am

JQ 801 Sunshine Coast - Adelaide Dep: 9.20am; Arr: 11.35am

Schedule from Sunday October 2

(Daylight savings comes into affect in SA from 2am on Sunday 2 October)

JQ800 Adelaide - Sunshine Coast Dep: 6.00am, Arr: 7.50am

JQ 801 Sunshine Coast - Adelaide Dep: 8.20am; Arr: 11.35am