Bangkok--24 Nov--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
Qantas Group valued based airline Jetstar has successfully commenced its long haul international operations with its first services between Melbourne and Bangkok, and today’s launch of direct Sydney to Phuket services, both to be flown 3 times weekly.
Representing an exciting new direction for the airline and aviation, Jetstar is bringing choice to international long haul air travel as one of two strong brands for the future of Qantas.
Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce, on board Jetstar Flight JQ29 - the carrier’s inaugural long haul international flight - was welcomed last evening into Suvarnabhumi International Airport by dignitaries including the President of AOT, Mr Chotisak Asapaviriva, Chairman of Qantas, Ms Margaret Jackson AC and Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Mr William Paterson.
It was earlier farewelled in celebratory style at Melbourne International Airport on 23 November, capturing some of the culture, flavour and unique attractiveness of Thailand for Australian travellers.
Passengers on Jetstar’s launch international services to Thailand had purchased special web fares at Jetstar.com from AU$199 one way or from Bangkok to Melbourne for 1000 baht one way* (plus surcharges, fees and taxes). They were treated to special inflight offerings of massages, celebratory gift packs and champagne on arriving and departing flights.
Jetstar’s competitive low fares and regular direct flights between Thailand and Australia are currently available for 8500 baht one way* Bangkok-Melbourne and 8400 baht one way* Phuket-Sydney. (Prices exclude surcharges, fees and taxes).
Jetstar will fly long haul to 7 international destinations from Australia by September 2007, serving 11 international routes directly from four Australian cities including Melbourne and Sydney. Other destinations in Jetstar’s long haul network from Australia include Ho Chi Minh City, Bali, Honolulu*, and both Osaka* and Nagoya* in western Japan. (*Flights subject to regulatory approval).
Jetstar’s initial international fleet of Airbus A330-200 aircraft (303 seat configured), numbering six by mid 2007, will offer two classes of service including StarClass, Jetstar’s business class. The airline will become the Qantas Group’s launch customer for the new generation Boeing 787 aircraft from late 2008 taking the first 12 aircraft ordered.
Qantas Chairman Ms Margaret Jackson AC and Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce today addressed media and hosted a luncheon for Thailand Government representatives, aviation and tourism industry leaders in Bangkok.
Ms Jackson said Jetstar over the next four years would develop a significant international network to a large number of Australian and overseas destinations, including subsequent expansion to Europe.
“Jetstar’s international services will complement Qantas’ mainline international operations. Our aim for the Group is to expand both brands into the future,” Ms Jackson said.
Mr Joyce said Jetstar was making a significant investment in Thailand through its 6 weekly international return services between Australia and Thailand, offering over 1800 inbound seats per week, as well as the establishment of a cabin crew base in Bangkok.
Jetstar’s Bangkok crew base is operated by Tour East (T.E.T) Limited, a subsidiary of the majority Qantas Group owned company, HTT.
“100 cabin crew will be employed and based in Bangkok by the end of 2006, and our first international services from Thailand are being supported by the base and its management structure,” Mr Joyce said.
“Jetstar’s cabin crew base in Bangkok will grow in line with Jetstar’s expansion of international operations.”
Jetstar’s intra Asian operations, based in Singapore, continue to operate value based services direct from Singapore to Bangkok (3 times daily or 21 times weekly) and Phuket (4 times weekly) with Airbus A320s.
Mr Joyce said Jetstar would take a price leadership position in international leisure markets for Qantas offering choice for travellers.
“Jetstar is committed to offering the lowest fares on the international markets we fly. We can offer low fares by achieving a low cost base, replicating our cost leadership already achieved in the Australian domestic and trans Tasman markets,” Mr Joyce said.
Jetstar executives today also welcomed the first arriving Phuket service from Sydney (JQ27), which remains a fast growing international holiday destination for Australian visitors.
StarClass on Jetstar international routes will bring business class service with an international economy fare.
“StarClass passengers will enjoy extended legroom and a wider seat with in-seat power, video on demand, priority check-in and boarding and access to lounges,” Mr Joyce said.
“When flying Jetstar our customers have a choice of not just flying to exciting new international destinations, but also for what they want to pay for.
“Our economy passengers have the choice to rent portable video on demand units featuring new release movies, TV sitcoms and music videos (AU$12 inflight) or purchase meals, additional drinks and snacks inflight - separate from their low fare.” Other features of Jetstar’s international services include:
- A Qantas codeshare arrangement on all flights,
- Connectivity of Jetstar passengers and luggage between Jetstar international services and Qantas international and Qantas domestic services in Australia and seamless through check-in;
- Meals and customer service delivery designed in consultation with leading Australian chef Neil Perry;
- All leather seats in both StarClass and Economy
- Qantas lounge access for Qantas Club members. Qantas Frequent Flyer redemptions on all flights;
Jetstar fares are available in Thailand at www.jetstar.com and Jetstar Telephone Reservations on 0 2267 5125 (Monday-Friday: 08:30—17:30 and Saturday: 8:30-12:30).
* Flights subject to regulatory approval.
Media enquiries:
Simon Westaway GM, Corporate Relations M: +61 (0) 401 994627
Simone Pregellio Jetstar Corporate Relations M: +61 (0) 418 981 470
Flight Details:
Melbourne-Bangkok (Departure times shown)
Bangkok — Melbourne Melbourne - Bangkok
JQ 30 21.00 Mon, Thurs, Sun JQ 29 14.10 Mon, Thurs, Sun
Phuket-Sydney (Departure times shown)
Phuket-Sydney Sydney-Phuket
JQ 28 22.20 Mon,Wed,Fri JQ 27 15.20 Mon, Wed, Fri
For more information please contact:
Satida Sritunyatorn
Media Relations Director
Aziam Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +66 (0) 2252 9871 ext. 122
Fax: +66 (0) 2254 8353
Cell: +66 (0) 8 6320 0613
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