Bangkok--16 Feb--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
Low fares leader Jetstar takes off today with its inaugural direct Darwin-Manila service, connecting the Northern Territory and the Philippines through affordable flying that strongly supports key tourism and business links.
Manila is Jetstar’s fourth international destination from its growing Darwin flying hub, with the launch of the tri-weekly A320 service signalling the next growth phase in its expanding pan Asian network, now totalling 56 destinations in 14 countries.
The new Jetstar international service further integrates Darwin into Jetstar’s expanding Pan Asia network and complement’s Jetstar and Qantas flying to the Philippines including up to 18 times per week between Singapore-Manila on Jetstar and four per week Sydney-Manila flying on Qantas.
On board today’s inaugural service will be Jetstar Australia & NZ CEO David Hall, together with a Northern Territory Government delegation led by NT Trade Minister Hon. Robert Knight MLA and representatives from Tourism NT, Charles Darwin University and the International Business Council.
In Manila, Jetstar will join the NT Government delegation in conducting a series of meetings and events in conjunction with the Australian Embassy to promote the new Australian air link, and Jetstar’s increasingly large investment in the Philippines.
Dozens of representatives from the Darwin Filipino community will also fly, including Honorary Consul General of the Philippines in Darwin John Rivas and Filipino-Australian Association of NT President Maria McCue.
Jetstar’s everyday fares from Darwin-Manila start from $169 (JetSaver Light) are up to 30 per cent lower than current competitors’ fares between the Philippines and Australia at Jetstar.com.
Jetstar Australia & NZ CEO David Hall said that the new service would provide both Territorians and southern state travellers with renewed choice and affordable accessibility to Asia, and offer an exciting opportunity to grow Territory relationships and connections increasingly across Asia.
“Filipino Australians represent the third largest overseas born population base in Darwin and this new international service, that is already well received, will provide greater opportunity for accessible leisure and commercial related travel between Darwin and Manila,” Mr Hall said.
“Anticipated success for the route forms our latest chapter in Jetstar’s strategic Pan Asian network growth plans that continue to include growing low fare flying directly between Australia and Asia.”
As Australia’s fastest growing international airline, Jetstar’s latest low fare flight offering will deliver an additional 50,000 annual seats for Darwin, with the ability to link Manila through its Darwin hub, to southern city markets including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.
Media enquiries:
James Best Aziam Burson-Marsteller M: 66-83-198-4722