Jetstar confirms Queenstown route not viable

A Jetstar plane takes off out of Queenstown.

It's unlikely we will see the much sought-after Rotorua to Queenstown route on a Jetstar plane, even if the airline does start flying to Rotorua.

Last week Jetstar announced plans to start flying to regional destinations in New Zealand with flights expected to be operating to at least four cities by Christmas. One being considered is Rotorua.

The news was met with much excitement, as well as the hope direct flights to Queenstown could be secured.

However, Jetstar New Zealand corporate communications manager Phil Boeyen said the 50-seat Bombardier Q300 aircraft the company planned to use for its new domestic routes were not suitable for a Rotorua to Queenstown flight.

"That route is more suitable for jet aircraft," he said.

The recently released Bay of Plenty Regional Growth Study highlighted flights between the two cities as a key to unlocking growth.

The Government-led study found keys to unlocking Rotorua's economic potential included flights between Rotorua and Queenstown, and that a lack of flights - especially a direct Rotorua to Queenstown link - was an issue not just for tourism, but also for wider business and population growth.

Skyline Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen said the priority for Rotorua was securing a jet service between Queenstown and Rotorua.

He said the long-term growth of the region depended on it.

Mr Thomasen said securing that route was a core focus in recent years and needed to continue to be the focus of a great deal of work by everyone involved.

Polynesian Spa chief executive Gert Taaljard agreed that a Queenstown route would be of real benefit to the city.

Officials from Jetstar will be in Rotorua today to talk to community leaders and business and tourism stakeholders about the airline's expansion plans.

The visiting delegation include the airline's New Zealand head, Grant Kerr.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick has welcomed news that Jetstar has Rotorua in its sights, especially the potential for more choice and cheaper airfares.

Rotorua Airport acting chief executive Wayne Wootton, Destination Rotorua chief executive Mark Rawson and Grow Rotorua chief executive Francis Pauwels also welcomed Jetstar's announcement and said they were looking forward to meeting the airline's representatives today.