Jetstar’s latest international service, a nonstop link between Sydney and Osaka (Kansai), has taken off. With the new service, Jetstar will operate the only direct flights between Sydney and Osaka and the only low-cost service between the NSW capital and Japan.
The Qantas Group airline previously flew between the two ports until 2008.
Utilising its B787 Dreamliners on the route, Jetstar will operate the service three times per week – departing Sydney on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and returning on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Until 7 April 2024 (daylight savings), JQ13 will leave Sydney at 11.20 am and arrive at 7pm, with JQ14 departing Osaka at 9.25pm and touching down at 9.10am (+1).
However, from 8 April until 5 October 2024, flights will depart Sydney an hour earlier (10.20 am) and arrive back an hour earlier (8.10 am).
Marking its 20th anniversary this year, Jetstar says the new service will add more than 100,000 seats between Sydney and Osaka each year. Jetstar Executive Manager, Customer Jenn Armor said the carrier is looking forward to offering a new affordable route between Australia and Japan.
“Australians’ love for Japan continues to grow and the strength of the Australian dollar against the Yen means it’s incredibly affordable right now,” she remarked.
“This is the third direct service we’ve launched from Australia to Japan in the last six months and the second to Osaka, with strong demand for our existing flights.
“As the food capital of Japan, Osaka has so much to offer Aussie travellers, with incredible night markets, street stalls and Michelin star restaurants.”
Jetstar currently has fares from Sydney to Osaka from $363 one-way – until sold out.
The low-cost carrier announced the new route in November.
Last week, Jetstar launched its newest domestic route between Sydney and Busselton, linking East Coast visitors to Western Australia’s Margaret River region for the first time.
In February, the airline unveiled a long-overdue glow-up with a brand-new uniform collection.
