Jetstar’s Asia network just got a little wider with the announcement of new direct services between Victoria’s capital Melbourne and China’s east-central city, Zhengzhou.
Commencing December 2017, the low-cost carrier will utilise its Dreamliner 787 on the route twice weekly with 21 recliner seats in Business Class as well as 314 standard seats in Economy.
The aircraft will also offer passengers access to better cabin pressure, larger windows, spacious overhead bins, wider leather seating and less noise cabin.
Speaking at the announcement this morning in Melbourne, Jetstar’s Chief Executive, Jayne Hrdlicka described China as “an important market”.
“China is an incredibly important market for us and will continue to grow.”
Jayne Hrdlicka, Jetstar Chief Executive
Australian wholesalers and operators specialising in Asia have welcomed Jetstar’s announcement, saying it’ll create an additional gateway and increase competition between Australia and China.
Image: Baiqtun/Wikipedia
In an email to KarryOn, GetAboutAsia’s Asia Travel Specialist Co-Founder, Greg Carter, said services to Zhengzhou will make access to popular hubs in Xian, Beijing and Shanghai more accessible to travellers.
“Specialising in tailor-made Asia travel, we cater to travellers of a broad range of interests and budgets; increased flight options and air capacity to China will eventually lead to more competitive airfares which may soon bring China’s popularity with Australians to a whole new level.”
Greg Carter, GetAboutAsia Co-Founder
Wendy Wu Tours Andrew Mulholland welcomed the new service, saying it will meet growing demand among Australians keen to travel to China.
“An increase in airlift from Jetstar will enable travellers to enjoy affordable, great value, easy access to the region – and thus grow China’s brand in the AU market,” he said.
“We are working with our operations team in China to offer land product around this new service, including short stay product.”
Andrew Mulholland, Wendy Wu Tours Australia Managing Director
Intrepid’s Travel’s Regional Director of Asia Pacific, Brett Mitchell concurred, saying that direct and affordable will result in increased passenger traffic between the two countries.
“[We] anticipate that we will see a good growth in bookings to China in light of this new flight path,” he said.