Bangkok--27 Jul--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
Jetstar today unveiled its launch fares and flight schedules for its long haul international operations, which it plans to commence with direct flights between Bangkok-Melbourne and Phuket-Sydney from November this year. The Qantas Group airline will initially operate to six international destinations including both Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand, taking flight on 23 November 2006* with direct Melbourne ? Bangkok service, subject to regulatory approval. **
The following day, Jetstar will launch its first scheduled Sydney ? Phuket service, with both direct routes from Thailand to be flown three times weekly. Jetstar will operate an initial fleet of Airbus A330-200 aircraft (303 seat configured), offering two classes of service including StarClass, Jetstar's premium cabin. It will begin to transition to a future fleet of new generation Boeing 787 Dreamliners from August 2008.
Jetstar is offering all-inclusive web fares from an amazing 910 baht* one-way at Jetstar.com for Phuket-Sydney and from 1000 baht one-way* on Bangkok-Melbourne services. Sale fares do not include surcharges, fees and taxes. The sale will end on Friday 28 July 2006, unless seats sell out prior. Sale fares are for the travel period between 23 November 2006 and 30 June 2007*. Sale fares are subject to availability. Further details at Jetstar.com Qantas Chief Executive Officer Geoff Dixon and Jetstar Chief Executive Alan Joyce unveiled the low fare carrier's sale fares, launch frequency of services
and new marketing campaign to tourism industry leaders in Sydney, Australia.
Today in Bangkok, Jetstar General Manager of Pricing and Offline Channels David Koczkar briefed an audience of local tourism leaders and the Thailand travel industry. He was joined by Khun Thongchai Wibulsaksakul, Manager Thailand, Tourism Australia and Jetstar Asia Chief Executive Officer Ms. Chong Phit Lian. "With a fleet of 12 wide body aircraft, Jetstar will eventually develop a significant international network to a large number of Australian and overseas
destinations," Mr. Dixon said.
Mr. Koczkar said this was an important announcement for the Qantas Group airline as it represented the carrier's first foray into value based, long haul flying and significant opportunities for Thailand's tourism industry and for visitors
from Thailand to Australia.
Commenting on Jetstar launch fares, Mr. Koczkar said, "We lead the low fare market in Australia, a positioning we hope to now lead with our flights to Thailand encouraging more people to travel more often.
"Bangkok and Phuket are two of the most popular tourism destinations in Asia for Australians and with Jetstar's high brand recognition in Australia and a genuine national appetite for low fares, we believe we will encourage thousands of regular and new tourists to these destinations," added Mr. Koczkar.
Mr Koczkar said Jetstar's introduction of two classes of service with StarClass, would present a new and distinct choice for discerning flyers wanting extra comfort and an enhanced inflight experience for what many would consider the
cost of a full economy international fare.
"Our international offering is all about choice, where you, the passenger, get to choose what you want and when you want it on board, whilst enjoying all day every day low fares," Mr. Koczkar said.
"StarClass will offer a seat similar to a Qantas Domestic Business Class seat. Benefits will include in- seat power, priority check-in, boarding and excess baggage allowances, all inclusive meals and beverages and video on demand. The menu has been designed in consultation with one of Australia's leading chefs, Neil Perry and will consist of both Asian and Western options."
Jetstar passengers in economy will be able to buy meals and snacks either at the time of purchase or on board. Further core features of Jetstar's long haul international services into Australia include connectivity of passengers and luggage with subsequent Jetstar and Qantas international services, seamless through check-in and the ability for Jetstar's economy passengers to pre-select both their seats and meal and entertainment inflight service prior to take-off. Jetstar Airways is emerging as a major brand for the Qantas Group. Mr. Koczkar said Jetstar's flying business was planned to be grown aggressively over the next 3 years, whilst complementing further expanding Qantas international operations.
The alignment of the Jetstar Asia and Jetstar Airways brand had followed the successful convergence earlier this month of both Jetstar Asia and Jetstar Airways websites into one enhanced, integrated site at Jetstar.com. "This one consolidated website and booking vehicle, Jetstar.com, is providing consumers with an extended inter and intra Asian air offering on Jetstar branded services," Mr. Koczkar said.
Customers globally can now log onto the integrated website at Jetstar.com to make bookings for all Jetstar, Jetstar Asia and Valuair flights. The site also demonstrates a new look and feel, content localization and multi-language
capability.
The primary booking channels for Jetstar flights will be through the website www.jetstar.com and through Jetstar's appoint sales agent ? Holiday Tours and Travel, a member of the Qantas Group (75% owned by the Qantas Group). HTT will operate the Jetstar call-centre handling all JQ inquiries Monday to Friday 08:30 ? 17:30 and Saturday 08:30-12:30 and the reservations number is 02 267-5125.
* Excludes surcharges, fees and taxes
** Subject to Regulatory Approval
Media enquiries:
James Best /Sribenja Semmeesook
Aziam Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +66 (0) 2252 9871
E: [email protected] / [email protected]
Simon Westaway
General Manager of Corporate Relations Jetstar Airways (Australia)
Tel: +61 (0) 401 994 627
E: [email protected]
Jetstar Thailand Schedule
Melbourne-Bangkok Commencing 23 November 2006* (Departure times shown)
Bangkok ? Melbourne Melbourne - Bangkok
JQ 30 21.00 Mon, Thurs, Sun JQ 29 14.10 Mon, Thurs,Sun
Jetstar Thailand Schedule
Phuket-Sydney Commencing 24 November 2006* (Departure times shown)
Phuket-Sydney Sydney-Phuket
JQ 28 22.20 Mon, Wed, Fri JQ 27 15.20 Mon, Wed, Fri
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