New Zealand's first long haul low fares airline

Low fares airline Jetstar will introduce long haul low fare flights from Singapore to New Zealand from March 17th 2011.

Jetstar flights will start daily direct Singapore - Auckland return services out of its Singapore operations with flights on its two-class Airbus A330-200 services to go on commercial sale soon.

This will offer a new Qantas Group international route from Auckland and allows connections to Jetstar and Qantas flights through Singapore to multiple Asian and European destinations.

It follows last week's announcement by Jetstar that it is to base a seventh A320 aircraft in New Zealand by the 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 network, 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 Executive Manager Operations Mark 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 is well positioned for future strategic growth in New Zealand and we are committed to provide greater low fare flying opportunities for Kiwis," said Mr Del Pra.

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," Mr Osborne said.

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.

Travelbite.co.uk staff

Follow us @travelbite