Jetstar celebrates three years on the Tasman

1 December 2008
Christchurch

Jetstar celebrates three years on the Tasman

Low fares airline Jetstar has cemented its place in the trans Tasman market, three years after first taking on the route.

Jetstar’s recently announced expansion into Auckland has continued a strong period of growth for the airline, as it approaches its third anniversary of international services from New Zealand, on 1 December 2008.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Buchanan, says the airline's trans Tasman services from Christchurch have been some of Jetstar's most successful routes over three years of operation in a highly competitive environment.

"Our Christchurch operations, which continue to perform exceedingly well for us, are the catalyst for the Jetstar brand to further grow on the competitive trans Tasman market," Mr Buchanan said.

"Jetstar has established a reputation for price leadership on our new and existing trans Tasman routes.

“We're also continually looking at many ways to provide greater choice for our travellers – with more opportunities to explore more of Australia through the Jetstar network, or the chance to get great deals on travel to fantastic international destinations like Thailand, Bali, Japan, Hawaii or Vietnam.”

The carrier is due to begin daily direct Auckland-Sydney* and Auckland-Gold Coast* services in April 2009 – growing its trans Tasman frequencies to 42 weekly return services from the 28 it currently operates out of its Christchurch base. (* Flights subject to regulatory approval)

Jetstar has also announced a new Price Beat Guarantee campaign, which will apply to all trans Tasman services. The Guarantee applies to published internet airfares on the same route at a comparable time (i.e. trans Tasman fares must be within an hour).

Passengers who find a lower comparable fare online can call the Jetstar Telephone Reservation Centre on 0800 800 995 and Jetstar will beat the fare by 10 per cent, subject to verifying the competing fare and the Jetstar fares are available.

The Jetstar Price Beat Guarantee applies to both JetSaver Light fares (when compared to a fare which excludes check-in baggage allowance or has less than 20 kilograms of check-in baggage allowance) and JetSaver fares (when compared to economy fares with at least 20 kilograms of check-in allowance).

Gareth Owen, General Manager Marketing and Business Development at Christchurch International Airport Ltd – Jetstar’s New Zealand base – congratulated Jetstar on its third birthday milestone.

"Within a very short three years, Jetstar has become a household name and quickly been embraced by the South Island travelling community. The airline has grown quickly and sustainably, and our regional and national tourism industry has benefited from the influx in travellers from Australia and further afield, including Japan, Thailand and Indonesia.

“As the South Island’s tourism gateway, we look forward to continuing our relationship with Jetstar as they continue to grow their operations from their base here in Christchurch."

Jetstar currently operates 28 return weekly flights trans Tasman flights directly between Christchurch and Sydney (10 times weekly), Melbourne (9 times weekly), daily to Brisbane (7 times weekly) and a twice-weekly return service to the Gold Coast.

As well as offering international flights to Australia, and popular tourist destinations such as Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, Honolulu, Singapore and Osaka, Jetstar has plans to expand its long-haul network into Tokyo* later this month. (*Flights subject to regulatory approval)

Mr Buchanan says as Jetstar continues to grow, the airline will look at the opportunities New Zealand represents.

"In welcoming around sixty-five more A320 family and fifteen Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft into our fleet over the next six years, Jetstar has some exciting growth plans ahead. We see New Zealand continuing to play a key role in our growing network."

Jetstar has begun its birthday celebrations early this year, announcing a new all day, everyday low fare of $169 for its four destinations from Christchurch, as well as a special birthday sale fare of $139 from Christchurch direct to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

ENDS

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