Jetstar has been flying New Zealand domestic routes since 2009 and across the Tasman since 2005. Photo: Simon Baker
Jetstar has been flying New Zealand domestic routes since 2009 and across the Tasman since 2005. Photo: Simon Baker
Jetstar is about to make a significant announcement on the expansion of its domestic operations in New Zealand and this could include services to cities off the main trunk.
The airline is not commenting on what will be revealed later today but using turbo props excess to needs of parentcompany Qantas has been flagged before.
In 2013 the Business Herald revealed the budget carrier was assessing the viability of flying to the regions, using turbo-prop planes operated by Qantas on its regional routes in Australia.
Since then Jetstar has consolidated its jet network, claiming a market share of about 17 per cent by passenger numbers. The airline has carried close to nine million passengers on its domestic flights and is popular with leisure travellers in particular.
Air New Zealand has had a stranglehold on flying to regional centres but this year pulled out of three of its smaller destinations, Kaitaia, Whakatane and Westport and announced it would close its specialist regional subsidiary, Eagle Air and put on bigger planes to its remaining destinations.
Jetstar would also likely serve the bigger centres if it opts to get into regional flying.