Jetstar's arrival will create jobs at airport

Job opportunities in Hawke's Bay will come from Jetstar's arrival.

Things are taking off at Hawke's Bay Airport, with ground handling company Aerocare looking to inject $200,000 and create up to 16 new jobs in the region.

The business' local chief executive officer, Jason Gray, said the four regional ports would be set up from scratch with an investment of more than $1.8 million in new equipment to support Jetstar's new Q300 operation.

Recruitment would begin for the new jobs on Thursday.

The news follows the Australian low-cost airline's recent announcement it will be flying in and out of the Bay to Auckland.

Ground positions include customer service agents, who will be responsible for check-in and boarding, and ramp staff, who will manage aircraft and baggage handling.

Senior positions at the independent ground handling company would also be available at each location, including Napier.

"People will be able to apply through our website, we have got a portal there where people can apply for jobs," Mr Gray said.

"We'll conduct interviews in October and then start roles in early to mid November, and start up on December 1."

Aerocare currently manages ground handling for Jetstar's domestic and international flights in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown.

The expanded contract means it would operate ground services for Jetstar, not only in Napier but also in Nelson, New Plymouth and Palmerston North.

The foray into the regions is a New Zealand first for the company.

"For the commencement of regional flights we'll be establishing operations in the four new Jetstar locations, taking the total number of ports operated in New Zealand by Aerocare to seven," Mr Gray said.

"In Australia, we actually service a number or regional ports but this is a first in New Zealand, so we are pretty excited to expand the network over here.

"We're looking forward to working with Jetstar to ensure a successful entry into these new markets."

Jetstar spokesman Grant Kerr said the airline had a long-standing relationship with the ground handling company this side of the ditch.

"Aerocare has been with us from start-up," he said.

"They understand our business model and our operational requirements, and we look forward to further developing our relationship with our expansion to regional New Zealand."

Aerocare will take expressions of interest for all regional roles on its website at www.aerocare.com.au.

Jetstar's new regional network will create more than 150 new jobs, including up to 55 pilot and 30 cabin crew roles, plus the 80 ground crew jobs.