Jetstar returns to Pre-COVID Levels in New Zealand with big expansion

Friday, December 8, 2023

Jetstar has revealed a substantial expansion of its flight network in New Zealand, adding almost 150,000 additional seats across both domestic and Trans-Tasman routes in 2024. This move is in response to the growing demand for affordable air travel. Commencing from March 31, 2024, the airline plans to gradually increase services, aiming for its New Zealand domestic network to reach 100% of pre-COVID levels by mid-year. Simultaneously, the Trans-Tasman network is expected to operate nearly 40% higher than the 2019 levels. Notably, this marks the first time the low-cost carrier will operate at pre-COVID capacity in New Zealand since December 2019.

The enhancements include heightened frequency on popular routes, such as up to 39 return services per week from Auckland to Christchurch, 30 return services per week from Auckland to Wellington, and 21 return services per week from Auckland to Queenstown. In the international sector, there will be increased services from Auckland to Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Sydney, as well as from Christchurch to Melbourne.

Jetstar’s Head of New Zealand, Shelley Musk, emphasized the significance of this capacity boost, attributing it to the heightened demand for diverse and budget-friendly travel options among Kiwis. Looking ahead to 2024, Musk expressed the airline’s commitment to improving operations and maintaining its position as the preferred low-fare leader in New Zealand.

The announcement comes as Jetstar prepares for its busiest Christmas and New Year peak in New Zealand since 2019, with an expected five percent increase in passengers compared to the previous year. Jetstar is positioned well for this peak period, boasting an on-time performance of 81.9% in New Zealand in November, its best result of the year. The domestic cancellation rate dropped to 1.1%, the lowest for the year, and the Trans-Tasman network achieved an on-time performance of 77.8%, the strongest since the onset of COVID.

To further enhance reliability, Jetstar has undertaken measures such as recruiting over 120 frontline team members in the past year, increasing standby staff, and ensuring the availability of spare aircraft in case of unforeseen disruptions during the Christmas peak, which spans from December 15, 2023, to January 20, 2024.

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