The low-cost airline and Qantas subsidiary Jetstar has announced a major expansion in the New Zealand market that it says will generate 240,000 new seats each year.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Jetstar revealed on June 26, 2024, that its operational increase will include new routes and relocating an additional Airbus A320 aircraft to New Zealand.
The airline will kick things off with new services between Christchurch and Cairns, and Auckland and the Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) plus an increase in capacity on domestic routes from Christchurch to Auckland and Auckland to Wellington.
Over the next 12 months the new strategic plan will also include increasing the domestic services in New Zealand and adjusting its Christchurch to Melbourne flight times to improve connectivity to its long-haul international network.
The additional Airbus A320 will become Jetstar’s eighth to be based in New Zealand and represents the first time the carrier has expanded its fleet in the country in more than 10 years.
“This month we’re celebrating our 15th birthday in New Zealand, and as we mark this milestone, we’re really excited to be entering such a significant period of growth. Over the past 15 years, we’ve helped make travel more accessible for millions of New Zealanders and this expansion will help to unlock hundreds of thousands of low fares and more choice for our customers and provide a significant boost to tourism on both sides of the Tasman,” said Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully.
The Jetstar head added: “Having another aircraft based in Christchurch, as well as the launch of new flights and capacity, will help establish the city as a major gateway for Jetstar in New Zealand, providing more choice and great low fares for South Island residents.”
Queensland Tourism Minister and State Member for Cairns Michael Healy said that the new flights will “go some way to alleviating the pain of losing Bonza Airlines”.
“We’re excited to see yet another international service booked for Cairns with a three-year commitment by Jetstar for three weekly services from Christchurch to Cairns, starting in April 2025. Sunshine Coast Airport will also benefit from three weekly Jetstar services arriving from Auckland starting in December 2024,” Healy said.