G’Day Mate – Jetstar Touches Down in Hawaii
HONOLULU, Dec./ — Qantas Group value-based airline, Jetstar, has on Dec. 27th commenced inaugural services to Honolulu, its newest long haul international destination, flying direct from both Sydney and Melbourne. The 3 times weekly Sydney-Honolulu service will be followed on December 29 by Jetstar’s first direct Melbourne to Honolulu flight — operating two times weekly as a new international route for the Qantas Group.
Hawaii is Jetstar international’s fifth launch market since its November 23 commencement of value-based long haul flights from Australia offering two classes of service including StarClass, Jetstar’s business class.
Jetstar’s fleet of wide body Airbus 330s (303 passengers) now operate directly between either Sydney or Melbourne to Bangkok, Phuket, Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) and Bali.
Jetstar also operates a fleet of 24 Airbus A320s in Australia and some short-haul international services on trans Tasman routes and to Singapore, currently offering over 1000 weekly services network wide.
Hawaii remains a highly desirable holiday destination for Australians with visitation levels growing almost 9 per cent last year with more than 60,000 first-time visitors during 2006, according to Hawaii Tourism.
Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said excellent passenger loadings on the carrier’s initial flights would boost the Australia-Hawaii market as Australian travelers take advantage of low fares to visit one of the country’s most popular international tourism destinations.
“Jetstar is bringing choice to international long haul air travel as one of two strong brands for the future of Qantas,” Mr. Joyce said.
“Qantas will continue to operate Sydney-Honolulu services 3 times weekly which will complement Jetstar’s introduction of five new frequencies per week on the Australia-Hawaii route — providing a significant boost to available capacity in the market.
“Jetstar has a demonstrated record in growing the markets we serve with direct services. Our new international long haul services are performing well above our expectation.”
Honolulu International Airport welcomed Jetstar Flight JQ3 from Sydney, hosting dignitaries and first flight celebrations, headed by Jetstar Group General Manager Safety, John Gissing.
United States Senators Clarence Nishihara and Donna Kim also extended a welcome to Jetstar’s launch flight into Honolulu.
To commemorate Jetstar’s inaugural Honolulu services, the value-based carrier is now on sale offering competitive low fares available at Jetstar.com from USD$289# one way between Honolulu to both Sydney and Melbourne. (# prices exclude Government taxes of USD$17).
StarClass fares are on sale from USD$639 one way between both Honolulu-Melbourne and Honolulu-Sydney ( prices exclude Government taxes of USD$17).
The sale on Jetstar’s Honolulu routes for travel from the United States closes midnight 7 January 2007 (Australian Eastern Standard Time) and is for the travel period between 1 February and 31 March 2007.
Fares are available from Jetstar.com, participating Travel Agents and Jetstar Holidays Telephone Reservations on 1866 397 8170 and conditions apply.
Mr. Gissing said working with the Hawaiian tourism industry would play a key role in Jetstar’s success in the market, with new partnerships intrinsic to successfully communicating the Jetstar offer.
“Our expanding Jetstar Holiday’s product will also provide new opportunities for us to work with the local industry and we look forward to collectively growing tourism traffic out of Australia,” Mr. Gissing said.
“Jetstar can offer low fares by achieving the best cost base of all international carriers operating in Australia, replicating our cost leadership in the Australian domestic market.”
Jetstar will fly long haul to 7 international destinations from Australia, including Honolulu, by September 2007, serving 11 international routes directly from four Australian cities including Sydney and Melbourne.
Jetstar’s initial international fleet of A330s will number 6 by mid 2007. The airline will become the Qantas Group’s launch customer for the new generation Boeing 787 from late 2008, taking the first 12 aircraft ordered.
“Jetstar is well placed over the next four years to develop a significant international network and Hawaii and other potential North American markets are part of this longer term plan with an expanding wide-body fleet,” Mr. Gissing said.
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. Gissing 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, 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;
* Menu design and customer services developed in consultation with
leading Australian chef Neil Perry’s Rockpool Consulting;
* All leather seats in both StarClass and Economy;
* Qantas lounge access for Qantas Club members and Qantas Frequent Flyer
redemptions.
Flight Details
Sydney-Honolulu (Departure times shown) First Flight – 27 December 2006
Sydney-Honolulu Honolulu-Sydney
JQ 3 18.00 Tues, Thur, Sat JQ 4 08.15 Tues, Thur, Sat
Melbourne-Honolulu (Departure times shown) First Flight – 29 December 2006
Melbourne-Honolulu Honolulu-Melbourne
JQ 1 17.15 Mon, Fri JQ 2 08.15 Mon, Fri
December 29, 2006
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