Yesterday, Jetstar launched its newest Trans-Tasman route with Flight JQ150 departing Auckland for the Queensland capital of Brisbane.
The four return services per week across “The Ditch” will carry almost 40,000 visitors a year to Brisbane, offering Kiwis the opportunity to explore Queensland via its vibrant capital city.
The service will also provide extended direct access to 12 domestic destinations in Australia.
Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, said the new route was a fantastic addition to Jetstar’s expanding network of international destinations.
“We know our customers are always on the lookout for more low fare travel options and exciting destinations.
“Since we announced the launch of the service, we’ve seen really strong bookings from holiday makers as well as expats keen to visit family and friends which is great news for local tourism operators and hospitality businesses.”
“This new service also offers seamless connections to destinations on Jetstar’s extensive domestic networks in Australia and New Zealand, providing even more holiday options.”
“I thank the Queensland Government, Brisbane Airport and Auckland Airport for their support of this new route.”
Queensland tourism opportunities
The additional feeder route from New Zealand offers the significant tourism windfall for the east coast state of Queensland. The state has proactively run an investment programme to attract aviation opportunities to the state, which has clearly paid dividends.
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Speaking on the latest development, Queensland Tourism Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe said:
“We’re backing Jetstar’s new four days per week direct flights into Brisbane from Auckland for the service’s strong potential for growth.
“This is the 17th service secured by Queensland’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment war chest for the State’s international visitor recovery.
“We know there’s pent-up demand among Kiwis to reunite with Queensland-based family and friends and come in from the cold for the southern hemisphere’s best winter lifestyle.
“Jetstar’s Auckland services are terrific addition to Brisbane’s international arrivals board, supporting 245 good Queensland jobs and $25.47 million for the city’s visitor economy.”
Brisbane airport comments
Oliver Philpot, Head of Aviation Marketing & Partnerships at Brisbane Airport Corporation said:
“New Zealand is the most popular destination for Queenslanders travelling overseas, and the number one source for tourists coming to Queensland, so to have Jetstar boosting capacity on the Trans-Taman route is very welcome”.
“BNE looks forward to seeing this service grow, especially with Australia and New Zealand jointly hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup later this year.”
Auckland Airport’s Chief Customer Officer, Scott Tasker, said it’s great to have Jetstar bring its value-based proposition to the Brisbane Route.
“This is bringing much-needed capacity just in time for the winter when Kiwis will be looking for a sunny break. With around 200,000 New Zealand-born residents in Queensland, many living in Brisbane, the route will be popular with those connecting with family and friends,” Mr. Tasker said.
Australia – New Zealand travel demand
There is typically a significant demand for flights between Australia and New Zealand, largely driven by tourism and business travel.
Both countries have a long history of close cultural and economic ties, and the distance between the two countries is relatively short, making it a convenient and popular destination for travelers.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous flights operating between major cities in Australia, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, and major cities in New Zealand, such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Many airlines offered multiple flights per day, and the route was one of the busiest in the Asia-Pacific region.
The reopening of borders and resurgence in travel demand has seen multiple routes reinstated, with new offerings such as the recent Jetstar service likely to be tabled.
