Jetstar announces five routes as part of regional expansion in New Zealand

Jetstar Airways announced (30-Aug-2015) five routes to be operated as part of its new regional network in New Zealand. The carrier will launch Nelson-Auckland and Napier-Auckland from 01-Dec-2015 followed by New Plymouth-Auckland, Palmerston North-Auckland and Nelson-Wellington from 01-Feb-2016. Jetstar Airways head of New Zealand Grant Kerr said the initial five regional routes would build a strong base for considering more regional destinations: "On our visits throughout the country the message was loud and clear that regional Kiwis want Jetstar's entry to their markets to be sustainable." Jetstar will hire approximately 100 new staff to support the launch, including pilots, cabin crew and ground staff. First flights each day will take off from regional ports, with crew and aircraft positioned overnight in each of the new destinations. As previously reported by CAPA, Jetstar Airways announced plans on to operate five Bombardier Dash 8-Q300 aircraft on to up to four regional destinations in New Zealand by Dec-2015. The services will be operated by Eastern Australia Airlines. [more - original PR]