Jetstar launches New Zealand's first long haul low fares airline

Low fares leader Jetstar will introduce for the first time to New Zealand long haul low fare flying with its two-class Airbus A330-200 services between Auckland* and Singapore.

From 17 March 2011 Jetstar will start daily direct Singapore - Auckland* return services out of its growing Singapore operations with flights to soon go on commercial sale. To be part of a future exclusive JetMail launch on this route sign-up now at Jetstar.com.

Jetstar makes a commitment to always offer the lowest fares covered by the Jetstar Price Beat Guarantee# whereby Jetstar will beat any competitor by 10 per cent. (#Conditions Apply)

Representing the next phase of Jetstar’s expanding New Zealand and wider pan Asian network, it will offer a new Qantas Group international route from Auckland* and connections to Jetstar and Qantas flights through Singapore to multiple Asian and European destinations.

Jetstar’s future Singapore – Auckland* daily A330 service would grow the route by over 4200 weekly seats, providing better access to low fares for customers in New Zealand, Singapore and throughout Asia.

It follows last week’s announcement by Jetstar to base a 7th A320 aircraft in New Zealand by year’s end with the flexibility to operate on domestic or international routes from NZ and consolidate its position as the second largest Kiwi airline.

Jetstar has also announced a daily Singapore*-Melbourne A330 service commencing from 16 December 2010.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan said by creating this new long haul flying, Jetstar’s three largest operations in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore would be connected offering customers an array of new affordable and accessible travel options.

“Connecting our three largest operations in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore strengthens each of these businesses and builds a solid foundation for future growth beyond Singapore to North Asia and Europe,” Mr Buchanan said.

Jetstar’s long haul services offer flyers greater choice including its international business class, StarClass, comfortable all leather seating and a range of meals and in-flight entertainment.

Jetstar Executive Manager Operations Mark Dal Pra made the announcement today in Auckland accompanied by Auckland International Airport and New Zealand Tourism executives.

Mr Dal Pra said Jetstar would bring future competition to the Singapore – Auckland* route and provide a new affordable way for Kiwis and international visitors to connect to and from New Zealand.

“Jetstar continues to spread its wings out of New Zealand, Australia and increasingly Asia and this new daily service will bring unprecedented new opportunities, through lower fares, to drive more travel between Auckland and Asia,” Mr Dal Pra said.

“This is a significant milestone on the eve of our first anniversary of Jetstar’s low fare domestic New Zealand operations, which have gone from strength to strength.

“Jetstar is well positioned for future strategic growth in New Zealand and we are committed to provide greater low fare flying opportunities for Kiwis.

“We will work closely with Auckland International Airport, and also look towards a future partnership with Tourism New Zealand, to help drive greater international visitation out of Asia and Europe via Singapore, as well as supporting the emerging market status of Singapore nationals visiting New Zealand.”

Welcoming the announcement, Auckland Airport Chief Executive Simon Moutter, said: “Today’s announcement of daily services between Auckland and Jetstar’s rapidly expanding hub in Singapore is a significant step towards achieving greater connectivity between the fast growing Asian markets and New Zealand.

“The low-cost carrier model is now being successfully applied to longer haul destinations, an important development which we believe offers the New Zealand tourism industry a fantastic opportunity to target the rapidly expanding low-cost carrier network and markets in Asia.

“This news is very consistent with our own Asian growth ambitions. We are very proud to be associated with the successful and ambitious growth story of Jetstar,” Mr Moutter said.

Tourism Auckland Chief Executive Graeme Osborne said the new Jetstar long haul service represented an exciting new opportunity for the Auckland region.

"To have a new direct connection to Singapore operated by a low cost carrier - as well as a link to Jetstar's rapidly growing Asia-Pacific network through this key hub - represents a unique opportunity to stimulate visitation to the Auckland region from a market that has significant unrealised potential,” Mr Osborne said.

Jetstar configures its A330s for 303 passengers in two classes including 38 seats in StarClass.

Jetstar now operates up to 84 weekly return frequencies linking Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown. An existing 38 weekly return Jetstar trans Tasman A320 services operate across six routes linking Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

* Subject to regulatory approval



About Jetstar long haul international

Jetstar’s value based long haul operations commenced in November 2006 and developed from the airline’s early success since May 2004 in low cost, low fare services with an existing fleet of narrow body A320s.

Jetstar long haul international services, via a fleet of A330-200s, today operate from Australia (from either Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast or Cairns) directly into Asia and the Asia Pacific destinations of Bali, Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Phuket and Honolulu. Future services will operate daily from Singapore* to Melbourne (from 16 December 2010) and Singapore* to Auckland* (from 17 March 2011).

The two-class A330-200 fleet is configured for 303 passengers (38 StarClass, 265 Economy). It presently comprises 7 aircraft and will grow to 9 by early 2011 with the next two A330 in Jetstar’s fleet operating from Singapore.

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn points and Status credits when travelling on Jetstar on eligible JetFlex fares and StarClass. Qantas Frequent Flyer members can choose to use their points for flight awards on Jetstar services in two ways; via Qantas & Partner Classic Awards or Qantas & Jetstar Any Seat Awards.

Jetstar long haul international services offer flyers greater choice including its international business class cabin, StarClass, designed for passengers seeking additional space and comfort in-flight and a more specialised service offering.

StarClass is configured for 38 passengers in a separate cabin with all leather extra large seats with a width of 19 inches and a seat pitch of 38 inches.

StarClass passengers also have complimentary access to Qantas Club lounges where available receive other additional benefits including:
• Priority check-in
• Extra baggage allowance
• A special cabin with dedicated staff
• Comfy wide seats with lots of leg room
• A complimentary comfort pack;
• In-flight entertainment; plus
• Meal and beverage options included in the price of the fare.

Jetstar’s high value in-flight product in Economy offer comfortable all leather seating and a large range of meals, snacks and in-flight entertainment.

Passengers can choose to pre-purchase or buy on board meals, entertainment and amenity packages. This includes the choice of portable video on demand units for hire offering latest movie releases, TV programs, music videos and audio tracks and a range of hot food, snacks and beverages, including alcoholic drinks, available for purchase.

* Subject to regulatory approval