Jetstar has shared plans to markedly grow its operations from Perth in 2024, introducing new non-stop flights to Singapore, Phuket and Bangkok. The expansion aims to provide more options and affordable travel to Southeast Asia for WA residents.
The decision to launch three more Southeast Asian routes is in response to the strong demand among Western Australians for affordable international leisure travel. In the past year alone, over 400,000 customers have flown on Jetstar flights from Perth to Bali.
Jetstar’s increased investment in Perth is made possible by the introduction of new NEO aircraft into its fleet. This not only allows for the deployment of existing aircraft to new routes but also opens up opportunities for additional flight options.
New JQ base
As part of the new expansion, Jetstar will establish a pilot base in Perth for at least 60 pilots.
The airline will also station four aircraft in the WA capital, including its new Airbus A321neo LR.
The low-cost carrier says that basing pilots and aircraft in Perth will enable it to further develop its domestic and international routes from the western region. So watch this space for more route announcements in the months ahead.
Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully called the move one of Jetstar’s most significant network expansions in recent years.
“This is a huge investment in our Perth operations. Having pilots and aircraft based in the west gives us the ability to add hundreds of thousands more low-cost seats to exciting new destinations across both our international and domestic network,” she remarked.
“These three new routes will open up low-fares travel right across Southeast Asia for our west-coast customers, including easy connections via Singapore onto Jetstar Asia’s extensive network to 13 destinations throughout Asia.
“We expect to see West Australian travel demand continue to grow as we add more flights, and we’re excited to share more details of our Perth network expansion soon.”
WA tourism boost
Western Australian Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti welcomed the news, which she said would help bolster WA tourism.
“These new direct flights will provide another welcome boost to tourism operators here in Western Australia, and of course, also provide locals here with easier access to destinations across Southeast Asia,” Saffioti remarked.
“Direct flights form a really important part of our tourism strategy, as it brings more visitors into our state, injects valuable tourism dollars into our local economy and supports local jobs and businesses, so we very much welcome today’s announcement from Jetstar.”
Flights are subject to government and regulatory approval.
The news comes just days after Jetstar announced direct flights between Sydney and Osaka (Kansai), offering more than 100,000 seats yearly between the two popular destinations.
