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Wellington welcomes a “Star”
10 June 2009
Wellington welcomes a
“Star”
There was a party atmosphere welcome at
Wellington Airport this morning as Jetstar’s first New
Zealand domestic flight arrived through a spectacular water
arch.
Jetstar’s domestic services from Wellington were launched when the 177 seat Airbus A320 aircraft, displaying its soon-to-be familiar bright orange “star”, arrived from Auckland with near capacity.
From today Jetstar will operate 2 daily return services between Wellington and Auckland, and will add another Auckland service and 1 daily Christchurch service starting 24 June 2009.
“Travellers to Wellington, Wellingtonians and the Wellington region will reap the benefits from a new airline in Wellington”, said Wellington Airport CEO, Steven Fitzgerald.
“As a low fares airline we expect that its vigorous competition on the key trunk routes will ensure the availability of very attractive fares. Jetstar will provide very important stimulation of demand in a general economic downturn,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
Jetstar is a fully owned subsidiary of Qantas Airways and its domestic operations will complement existing trans-Tasman connections through Wellington using the full-service Qantas brand, Jetconnect.
“Jetstar’s vibrant brand and growth-oriented strategy is a very positive signal for the future. We look forward to the possibility of Jetstar operating beyond the main trunk to other parts of the country as well as trans-Tasman flights to and from Wellington,” said Mr Fitzgerald. Jetstar currently operates a number of trans-Tasman services out of Christchurch and Auckland.
Jetstar will be the first in the Qantas Group, and one of the first in the region, to take delivery of the latest technology aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Jetstar’s international fleet will extend to include 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
“Long haul is anticipated in the Airport’s 2030 draft Master Plan and Jetstar’s access to long haul aircraft provides opportunities for expansion to direct long haul services in the future,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
Wellington Airport’s recent Master Plan announcement of a $450m development vision for the next 20 years continues the airport’s ability to enable the entry of new carriers to the Wellington market.
“The type of competition we are seeing between airlines ensures that visitors and Wellingtonians are offered the competitive air fares that are crucial to tourism, business and the Wellington lifestyle,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
ENDS
Wellington Airport
Wild at Heart
Wellington Airport provides a world class airport for visitors, the Wellington region and New Zealand. It's international terminal, The Rock, is ranked 4th best in the World. Being very close to the CBD saves 5.4 million travellers plenty of time and makes Wellington a more attractive place to visit. The Airport won the Wellington Gold Awards for Safety and is a major supporter of local events, attractions and community groups.
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