Today’s new service is the first of five new routes set to launch in New Zealand between now and June 2025, as the Qantas subsidiary launches the biggest expansion of its operations in the country in more than a decade.
Combined, the new routes will unlock around 330,000 seats for travellers every year.
Jetstar is expanding its fleet in New Zealand, with an additional Airbus A320 aircraft set to arrive in Christchurch on Sunday, increasing the number of aircraft to eight.
The airline is not facing the same engine issues as Air NZ’s domestic and short-haul fleet and expansion here feeds the Qantas long-haul network. Air NZ is facing problems there too with up to four of its Dreamliners grounded at any time because of Rolls-Royce engine maintenance problems.
Jetstar says its added capacity will help its operations over the busy Christmas travel period, increasing seats on key domestic routes and supporting the start of daily flights from Christchurch to Melbourne and Christchurch to the Gold Coast.
Jetstar will operate Gold Coast flights to Hamilton and Dunedin in New Zealand from June next year.
Those new services will take off three times a week, creating more than 115,000 new seats every year across the Tasman.
Jetstar Group chief executive Stephanie Tully said it was exciting to be embarking on a significant expansion in Aotearoa.
“2024 has been a huge year for us in New Zealand and today’s route launch is the beginning of an exciting period of growth,” she said.
To coincide with today’s launch, Jetstar has one-way sale fares from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast from $175.
Big win for Christchurch Airport
Jetstar’s decision to expand its Christchurch base with another plane was a vote of confidence in the city, says Christchurch Airport.
The aircraft will signal an uptick in services for the summer season, which include operating daily flights from Christchurch to the Gold Coast and Melbourne from December 15 until the end of January. The additional capacity will also bolster the Auckland schedule.
The new aircraft means a 35% increase in seat capacity across the Tasman and a 21% increase in seat capacity on their existing domestic routes.–
This expansion sees the airport bucking the trend of subdued travel, particularly on domestic routes, and increasing its capacity to cater for a growing demand to travel to and from the city.
Ali Adams, ChristchurchNZ’s chief executive said Christchurch is thriving as both a vibrant destination for visitors and a key hub for business.
“With our world-class attractions, growing infrastructure, and strong connections to the South Island’s unique natural beauty, it’s no surprise airlines are choosing to expand their offerings here.”
Gordon Bevan, Christchurch Airport’s aeronautical development general manager said its numbers show a strong demand for Jetstar’s services.
“This isn’t just a summer spike – we’re seeing sustained growth in both domestic and international interest in Christchurch as a destination and as the gateway to the South Island. Big brother Qantas is adding 21% more capacity to their Christchurch operation, too.”
Airport chief executive Justin Watson said the expansion means better connections, more visitors, and great support for regional businesses, “reinforcing Christchurch Airport as the South Island’s key connection point for growth and opportunity”.
Grant Bradley has been working at the Herald since 1993. He is the Business Herald’s deputy editor and covers aviation and tourism.
