Australian low-cost carrier Jetstar has announced a new partnership with Brisbane Airport, which will result in the launch of an additional half a million low-fare seats between Brisbane and international destinations.
This move aims to bring in thousands of tourists to southeast Queensland annually. As part of this deal, Jetstar will begin operating direct flights between Brisbane and Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, and Seoul.
The plan is to take advantage of the airport services that align with Jetstar’s low-cost operating model.
International flight increases from Brisbane
The airline will also increase the frequency of its existing services from Brisbane to Bali and Brisbane to Auckland. Here are the details of the new flights:
Japan:
- Starting from October 31, 2023, there will be five return flights per week between Brisbane and Tokyo (Narita), increasing to a daily service from December 3, 2023.
- From February 2, 2024, there will be four return services per week between Brisbane and Osaka (Kansai).
- Over 380,000 seats will be available each year between Brisbane and the two Japanese destinations.
South Korea:
- From February 1, 2024, there will be three return flights per week between Brisbane and Seoul (Incheon).
- More than 100,000 seats will be offered annually between Brisbane and the South Korean capital.
Bali:
- From February 1, 2024, the number of weekly return services between Brisbane and Bali (Denpasar) will increase from seven to ten.
- The introduction of Jetstar’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A321neo LR (NEO), has enabled this increased frequency.
New Zealand:
- Starting from October 29, 2023, the number of weekly return services between Brisbane and Auckland will increase from four to daily, adding over 90,000 seats per year.
- From February 1, 2024, the NEO aircraft will also be deployed on this route.
Supported by Queensland investment fund
The services between Brisbane and Osaka, Seoul, and Auckland are supported by Queensland’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF), a joint initiative of the Government and the airport to boost the state’s visitor economy.
To accommodate the new Tokyo (Narita) flight service, Jetstar will cease its operations from the Gold Coast to Tokyo (Narita) starting from October 29, 2023.
This change allows Jetstar to consolidate widebody aircraft flying and related engineering resources in Brisbane, strengthening their operations.
Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, expressed enthusiasm about the new agreement, stating that it will bring thousands of new visitors to Queensland and invigorate the local economy.
She also mentioned that Jetstar’s low fares have a history of encouraging travel, and this expansion will attract more tourists to the sunshine state from Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
Tully thanked Brisbane Airport and the Queensland Government for their support through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, which facilitates the return of overseas tourists.
Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff, praised the expansion of services and highlighted that it represents the largest increase in low-fare seats for Queenslanders and visitors from key markets.
He also mentioned the airport’s commitment to reducing noise impact, with the introduction of next-generation, quieter, and fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus A321neo on these new flights.