Wairarapa flight options unfurl

TAKE-OFF: Passengers could be looking down the runway from a Jetstar jet at Palmerston North Airport. PHOTO/THINKSTOCK

Wairarapa people may soon get more flight choices - and better deals - if Jetstar starts flying from Palmerston North.

The airline said this week it would start flying to regional destinations in New Zealand from later this year, bringing what it says is much-needed competition and more affordable fares to travellers outside the country's main centres.

New destinations being considered include Palmerston North, Napier, Hamilton, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Nelson and Invercargill.

The first flights are due to start in December, with services to four destinations expected to be operating by the end of the year.

Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson said the benefits of Jetstar flights from Palmerston North would depend on their frequency and services. "If they were going to different destinations that would be helpful to our community, as would cheaper flights.

"It most definitely has the potential to bring more visitors here to Wairarapa."

Chief executive of Wairarapa and Manawatu Chambers of Commerce, Stephanie Gundersen-Reid, said additional flights to and from Palmerston North would give Wairarapa people more flexibility and choice with travelling times.

She said Palmerston North Airport would be easier for Wairarapa people to get to and would have cheaper parking than Wellington Airport. "It's a lot more convenient, less hassle and less stress."

Jetstar managers will visit regional centres during the next two months to meet airport authorities, local government, and business, travel and tourism representatives to determine the first regional destinations.

Alan Joyce, chief executive of Jetstar's parent company Qantas, said, "We're creating 100 more jobs for the operations. The economic benefit of these services will be quite considerable to the local communities."

Travellers could also expect big drops in usual regional prices, Mr Joyce said.

More details of price would be included in Jetstar's commercial announcement in September, with prices affected by local partnerships.

"We're calling on communities to get behind us," Mr Joyce said. "If they want competition and low airfares, we'll need their support."

The new regional destinations would connect to the broader Qantas Group network, including Qantas and Jetstar flying across the Tasman.