In a move heralded as a significant expansion of its network, Jetstar has unveiled ambitious plans to broaden its horizons from Perth in 2024. This expansion includes the launch of new direct flights to three coveted Southeast Asian destinations: Singapore, Phuket, and Bangkok. These routes promise West Australians a wider range of travel choices at affordable prices, meeting the growing appetite for international leisure travel.
In a strategic initiative to bolster its presence in Western Australia, Jetstar is establishing a new Perth pilot base, set to house at least 60 pilots, and will station four aircraft in the state capital. This includes the cutting-edge Airbus A321neo LR, a testament to Jetstar’s commitment to modernising its fleet. This base is more than a logistical step; it’s a foundation for the airline to strengthen and extend its domestic and international routes from the west.
The drive to introduce these additional Southeast Asian routes is underpinned by a robust demand from West Australians for low-cost international travel. This is evidenced by the impressive figure of over 400,000 customers flying on Jetstar flights from Perth to Bali in the past year alone.
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Jetstar’s investment in Perth is facilitated by the introduction of new NEO aircraft into its fleet. This not only frees up existing aircraft but also creates new avenues for flight opportunities. Stephanie Tully, the CEO of Jetstar Group, underlined the significance of this expansion, describing it as one of the most crucial in the airline’s recent history. It’s not just about adding routes; it’s a long-term pledge to bring more affordable travel options to Western Australians.
“This is a huge investment in our Perth operations,” Tully stated, highlighting the dual benefit of having pilots and aircraft based locally. It enables the addition of hundreds of thousands of low-cost seats to new and thrilling destinations across Jetstar’s international and domestic network.
“These three new routes,” she added, “will not only provide low-cost travel options across Southeast Asia for our west-coast customers but also facilitate easy connections via Singapore onto Jetstar Asia’s extensive network, covering 13 destinations throughout Asia.”
The expansion is also expected to boost local tourism, with WA Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledging the positive impact of these direct flights on Western Australia’s tourism industry. She emphasised that direct flights are a vital component of the state’s tourism strategy, attracting more visitors, injecting tourism dollars into the local economy, and supporting jobs and businesses.
