Jetstar commemorated its first-ever flight from Newcastle to Melbourne on 25 May 2024, marking the historic journey with some of the original pilots, crew and passengers on board to highlight 20 years of service in Australia.
For the inaugural flight reenactment, pilots and crew wore the new uniform designed by Ginger & Smart’s Genevieve Smart, which will be rolled out later this year.
Captain Jeff Bray operated JQ’s first-ever flight and was on board for the special service.
“I’ve flown on thousands of Jetstar flights over 20 years and while every flight is important, this service is particularly special for the team,” he said.
“It’s a moment to reunite with other long-serving colleagues who I started out with on 25 May 2004 and some of the same customers who were on board two decades ago.
“We’ve always carried first-time flyers and that’s what makes Jetstar unique, we’re providing low fares so more people can afford to fly.”
Starting in 2004 with a fleet of 14 aircraft and flying only along Australia’s east coast, JQ has become one of the largest low-cost carriers in Asia Pacific, operating nearly 150 domestic and international routes.
Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully and Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus were on hand to welcome the arrival of JQ471 from Newcastle into Melbourne.
Tully said Jetstar has transformed the way Australians travel with low fares enabling Aussies to fly to the Gold Coast, Bali or elsewhere for their family holiday instead of road trips.
“While it’s our birthday, today is about celebrating the 400 million customers who’ve chosen to fly with us across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific over the past two decades,” she said.
“As we welcome new aircraft into our fleet and add more destinations to our network, we’re excited about the next 20 years and a new era of low-cost travel in Australia.”
For more info, head to jetstar.com
