Jetstar is introducing the first direct Christchurch to Perth flights, rolling out later this year. The service, starting October 27 and running through March, will operate three times a week, adding over 30,000 seats for the summer season. The trip from Perth will last about six hours and ten minutes, while the return from Christchurch will take roughly seven hours and fifteen minutes.
Christchurch Airport highlights this new route as a strategic connection, offering travelers options to continue their journey to destinations like Bali and London via Qantas. This move strengthens Christchurch’s position as a competitive gateway to New Zealand’s South Island, especially as Australia’s travel market has rebounded to pre-COVID levels.
Jetstar’s Perth-based Airbus A321LR aircraft will serve the route, featuring spacious overhead storage, seatback device holders, and in-seat charging for passenger comfort. According to Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully, there’s strong demand for affordable travel across the Tasman Sea.
This expansion enhances Jetstar’s reach in New Zealand, pressuring Air New Zealand, which doesn’t offer direct flights from Christchurch to Perth. A 24-hour sale offers fares starting at $299 one-way. Meanwhile, Air New Zealand faces financial challenges, with a recent reported loss, contrasting with Qantas’s significant profit. Jetstar’s new route responds to growing travel demand, potentially reshaping transtasman air travel dynamics.