Delays hit Jetstar's new regional flights

Jetstar is operating five Bombardier Q300 turbo props on the regional route which can carry 50 passengers each.

Jetstar says it is "smoothing out" processes to ensure its new regional flights run on time after complaints of delays.

The airline says one Napier to Auckland flight was delayed for just over half an hour yesterday and the Herald has heard complaints of other holdups.

Jetstar has been operating Napier - Auckland - Nelson services for just over a week and within that time a pilot was flown from Australia to cover illness. A spokesman said that was done to ensure it didn't cancel any flights.

The Jetstar regional services are operated by QantasLink carrier Eastern Australia Airlines.
Passenger demand has been heavy for the services which led to a price war with incumbent Air New Zealand on the routes.

"We're very focused on providing an on-time experience for our customers on both our regional and main trunk services. Our commitment is backed up by our performance in 2014 as New Zealand's most on-time domestic airline," the Jetstar spokesman said.

"Our regional service has introduced a brand new aircraft type into our business in New Zealand and we're continuing to smooth out our processes to ensure good punctuality."

Processes included ensuring flights closed on time at 30 minutes before departure to allow boarding as early as possible.

"We're being a little flexible in the early stages with customers given it's a new service," said the spokesman. The airline is operating five Bombardier Q300 turbo props on the regional route which can carry 50 passengers.

It will expand its network to Palmerston North and New Plymouth in February and Jetstar has hired an extra 140 staff including pilots and cabin crew.