Jetstar has unveiled plans to launch Singapore’s first long haul low fare airline with services from Changi Airport commencing late in 2010. The low fares leader will operate its next two A330-200 aircraft from Singapore and will employ up to 200 new aviation jobs across its growing Pan Asian network including Pilots, Cabin Crew, Engineers and Airport Customer Service staff.
Jetstar presently flies up to 2000 weekly flights to 57 destinations with a fleet of 61 aircraft across the Asia Pacific Region. The first time launch of value based long haul flying in this market by Jetstar plans to introduce new services to Australia, North Asia and/or European destinations.
Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan said the airline was in discussions with several airports to finalise arrangements and hoped to soon launch commercial pre-flight sales. “Jetstar continues to grow strongly as we build our Pan-Asian presence,” Mr Buchanan said.
Jetstar Asia & Valuair Chief Executive Officer Ms Chong Phit Lian said the start of wide-body services later this year would see Jetstar become Singapore’s first long haul low fare airline. “It represents the latest and an important chapter in our Pan Asian network growth plans made possible through our partnership in growth with Singapore Changi Airport,” Ms Chong said.
Mr Yam Kum Weng, Executive Vice President Changi Airport Group, said: “We are pleased that Jetstar is on track to be the first airline at Changi Airport to offer low-cost long-haul flights for passengers. “This is an exciting development. It will give air travellers greater choice, while enhancing Singapore’s connectivity and attractiveness as an air hub. Changi Airport Group will continue to work with Jetstar to support its growth at Changi,” he said.
Jetstar’s A330-200 fleet is configured in two classes for 303 passengers and offers its international business class product StarClass. Jetstar long haul international services now operate from Australia directly into Asia and the Asia Pacific destinations of Bali, Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Phuket and Honolulu.
