Jetstar has announced a big expansion in New Zealand with new routes and extra capacity.

To mark the airline’s 15th birthday, the low-cost carrier has revealed it will start flying Christchurch to Cairns, and will be in competition with Air New Zealand on Auckland to the Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore).

Also, it will increase capacity on domestic routes within NZ, starting with Christchurch to Auckland and Auckland to Wellington, as well as adding a new aircraft in Christchurch from December.

It will mean the airline will have eight Airbus A320 planes in the country, and it’s the first time Jetstar has expanded its fleet in New Zealand in more than 10 years.

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View of Mt Cook and Fox Glacier looking over Lake Matheson on the West Coast of New Zealand
Jetstar is making it easier to visit New Zealand. (Getty)

Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully said the airline is “really excited to be entering such a significant period of growth”.

“Over the past 15 years, we’ve helped make travel more accessible for millions of New Zealanders and this expansion will help to unlock hundreds of thousands of low fares and more choice for our customers and provide a significant boost to tourism on both sides of the Tasman,” said Tully.

“Having another aircraft based in Christchurch, as well as the launch of new flights and capacity, will help establish the city as a major gateway for Jetstar in New Zealand, providing more choice and great low fares for South Island residents.”

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A Jetstar and an Air New Zealand plane
Both Jetstar and Air New Zealand will be flying from Auckland to Maroochydore. (Getty)

Christchurch Airport CEO Justin Watson called the extra services a “smart decision”.

“Most of that increase will bolster services and offer more travel options in and out of Christchurch Airport so this is a huge vote of confidence in our city. Christchurch is thriving, Jetstar’s decided to bring even more people to the party, and we couldn’t be happier to host them,” said Watson.

Meanwhile, Air New Zealand has announced the return of its seasonal Auckland to Sunshine Coast service.

The national carrier will restart the flights from June 26.

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It will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays until October 2024 and will be using an Airbus 320neo aircraft.

Air New Zealand General Manager International Jeremy O’Brien called the Sunshine Coast “the perfect holiday destination”.

“With a relaxed beachside culture, incredible food, beautiful scenery, and 300 days of sunshine each year – it’s easy to see why Kiwis love it so much,” said O’Brien.

This article was originally published on Stuff and republished with permission.

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