Passengers on Jetstar’s new trans-Tasman service between the Gold Coast and Queenstown were treated to a traditional aircraft water arch welcome and Maori powhiri on the tarmac when they arrived in the Southern Lakes capital this afternoon.
Jetstar announced the new service between the two world-famous holiday resorts in September this year, with the first flights timed ahead of the festive holidays and peak summer travel season.
The low fares airline will operate three flights a week between Queenstown and the Gold Coast on Saturday, Monday and Thursday.
Grant Kerr, Jetstar head of New Zealand, said the new services reflected the airline’s focus on growing leisure markets.
“Both Queenstown and the Gold Coast are key leisure markets for us and it’s exciting to be able to offer the only international link between these destinations,” Mr Kerr said.
“Over the past two years our international passenger numbers to Queenstown have grown significantly and these new services will continue to support that tourism growth.”
Scott Paterson, Chief Executive of Queenstown Airport Corporation, said he expected the three-and-a-half hour non-stop service to be popular with both inbound and outbound travellers.
“Our scenery, range of experiences and close proximity to five ski fields makes us a great value holiday destination for Australians. And for lower South Island residents, the surf, sun and beaches of the Gold Coast will be a big drawcard all year-round,” Mr Paterson said.
Customers on today’s inaugural Gold Coast flight went in the draw for a range of lucky seat prizes from Queenstown tourist operators including AJ Hackett bungy jump, a Real Journeys TSS Earnslaw cruise and BBQ lunch at Walter Peak, Shotover Jet rides, Skyline gondola and luge passes, Ziptrek rides, free accommodation at Highview Apartments, Kiwi Birdlife family passes, and vouchers for Queenstown’s world-famous Fergburger.
Outbound passengers to the Gold Coast received Jetstar goodie bags and were treated to a rousing Kapa Haka performance in the departure lounge.
In addition to the three weekly Queenstown-Gold Coast services Jetstar also offers up to four flights a week to Melbourne and three flights to Sydney.
It was the second route launch in as many days for the low fares airline. Yesterday Jetstar began its first ever international flights into Wellington from the Gold Coast.
With the new services Jetstar will have more flights from New Zealand to the Gold Coast than any other trans-Tasman airline, with up to 18 flights a week from four New Zealand destinations
Flights on both new Tasman routes will be operated by 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft in a single class.
