Low cost carrier, Jetstar, is out to conquer Asia, by announcing an expansion to its network with new direct flights between Australia and China.
Qantas’ subsidiary already offers services to Phnom Penh in Cambodia; Jakarta and Bali in Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia; Manila in the Philippines; Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand; Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam; and a number of Japanese cities.
However, commencing 29 September this year, the airline will fly twice weekly between the Gold Coast and Wuhan – the most populous city in Central China.
Jetstar is working with the Dalian Wanda Group – the same China-based tourism developer currently working on the $1 billion hotel complex in Surfers Paradise – to operate the nine hour flights on Tuesday and Saturday with the Boeing 787.
Jetstar’s Australia and New Zealand CEO said the new route will provide economical benefits to the city as well as open up new destinations for Australian travellers.
“This new service opens up a direct link between Southeast Queensland and one of the largest travel markets in the world, delivering about 70,000 seats between China and the Gold Coast each year.”
David Hall, Jetstar Australia & New Zealand CEO
Gold Coast’s Mayor Tom Tate has welcomed the deal, saying it was a long-time coming.
He said the flights opened the city to a catchment of 80 million Chinese, describing it as a “game changer”.
Jetstar will launch flights to Wuhan in China.
Meanwhile, late last month, Jetstar also secured its position at Melbourne’s Avalon Airport, signing a deal to operate flights from the gateway at least for another 12 months.
