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Jetstar has commenced the first non-stop service between Christchurch and Cairns.
Flight JQ136 from Christchurch touched down in Cairns at around 10:40am on Wednesday aboard the A320-200 VH-VQL. The flights will operate three times per week, adding an estimated 70,000 trans-Tasman seats.
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“Jetstar’s direct flights from Christchurch to Cairns will slash hours and cost from the journey, giving passengers every reason to book the holiday they’ve been waiting for. This service is commencing at an ideal time, ahead of the lengthy Easter school holidays when families and friends are keen to reconnect,” Richard Baker, chief executive of Cairns Airport, said.
“This route provides a seamless gateway between New Zealand’s picturesque South Island and the many attractions of Tropical North Queensland.
“Whether it’s Kiwis seeking a warm break or locals planning a winter getaway to hit the slopes, we expect this service will entice a new market of travellers across both destinations.”
According to Jenn Armor, executive manager, customer, at Jetstar, the route is part of the carrier’s efforts to add low-cost fares between Australia and New Zealand.
“Our first flights on the Christchurch to Cairns route are an exciting milestone as we continue to make travel more accessible for millions of New Zealanders,” Armor said.
“We’re thrilled by the response from both New Zealanders and Australians to this new connection. Queenslanders can now fly direct to Christchurch in under six hours, which is great news for Jetstar customers and for Christchurch, as we help welcome more visitors to this fantastic part of New Zealand.”
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, called the launch “a great day for Tropical North Queensland tourism”.
“We know they stand ready with open arms to welcome visitors from across the ditch to experience all the wonders of our great State,” he said.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support tourism in Queensland, ensuring we are on track to become the number one destination in the country.”
Jetstar already flies daily from Christchurch to the Gold Coast and Melbourne, and last year launched its biggest New Zealand expansion in more than a decade.
The airline based an extra A320 in Christchurch from December, bringing its total NZ fleet to eight, and launched new routes including from Auckland to Sunshine Coast, as well as increasing capacity on domestic routes including Christchurch–Auckland and Auckland–Wellington.
Auckland–Sunshine Coast now has three weekly Jetstar flights starting 13 December.
Jetstar also adjusted its flight times between Christchurch and Melbourne to improve connectivity with its long-haul international network.
