Bangkok--13 Jan--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
? Darwin’s role as gateway to Asia strengthened
? More capacity on popular Darwin-Singapore route
? New one-stop Tokyo service (via Manila)
Jetstar has announced additional flights between Northern Territory and Asia that are expected to stimulate stronger tourism and business links.
From 25 March 2012, Jetstar will introduce a four-times weekly Darwin-Manila-Tokyo* service. In addition, the airline’s popular Darwin-Singapore route will grow from 7 to 10 flights a week.
Jetstar Group CEO Bruce Buchanan said the new schedule pointed to sustained demand for low fares travel as well as the growing reach of Jetstar’s network between Asia and Australia.
“We know that the more sustainably low fares we put in the market, the more people are inclined to travel. When we combine low fares with a growing footprint across Asia, the potential for increased tourism and trade really takes off,” said Mr Buchanan.
“These extra services connect Darwin to our growing Singapore hub, which brings places like Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur much closer to Australia.
“The new link between Darwin and Tokyo will soon join to our Jetstar Japan network, putting low fare travel to Australia within reach for millions more Japanese,” he added.
Japan is the fourth largest international inbound tourism market for the Territory, with 28,000 visitors contributing around $27 million annually.
Jetstar Australia & NZ CEO David Hall said today’s announcement cemented Darwin as a critical part of the airline’s approach to competing with a growing number of overseas carriers.
“Darwin is perfectly positioned as a gateway between the rest of Australia and South East Asia, plus it’s a tourist hot-spot in its own right,” said Mr Hall.
“Our Darwin base is home to four aircraft and is a source of employment for more than 50 locally-based pilots and cabin crew, as well as scores of indirect support jobs on the ground.
“These new services will give Territorians more low fares to Asia, with up to 25 weekly flights to Singapore, Bali, Manila and Tokyo,” Mr Hall added.
To help facilitate the new services, Jetstar will cease its four-times weekly Darwin-Ho Chi Minh City service from 25 March 2012. Jetstar Asia recently increased its Singapore-Ho Chi Minh service to 27 times a week and added a new four-times weekly service between Singapore and Hanoi.
* Flights subject to regulatory approval and will be operated by Jetstar Airways
Media contact: Jennifer Timm +61 417 698 249
James Best Aziam Burson-Marsteller 662-252-9871