New Jetstar route connects the Far North to New Zealand’s South Island

Jetstar has launched a new flight route, directly connecting the Far North to New Zealand’s South Island for the first time.

Chad Anderson, Deputy Director-General for Tourism, Jetstar Executive Manager, Customer, Jenn Armor, Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker and Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen celebrate the launch of Jetstar’s new route from Cairns to Christchurch. Picture: Molly Frew

Jetstar launched a new flight route on Wednesday, directly connecting the Far North to New Zealand’s South Island for the first time.

Passengers on the inaugural flight from Christchurch to Cairns touched down mid morning and were welcomed to the Far North with gifts as they walked through a terminal decorated with tropical scenery.

Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the route, which will run three times a week and add 70,000 seats to the market each year, would directly connect “two truly spectacular parts of the world”.

“This route provides a seamless gateway between New Zealand’s picturesque South Island and the many attractions of Tropical North Queensland,” he said.

“Whether it’s Kiwis seeking a warm break or locals planning a winter getaway to hit the slopes, we expect this service will entice a new market of travellers across both destinations.”

JQ136 landed at Cairns Airport at 10.40am on Wednesday. Picture: Bang Media

Mr Barker said he hoped the service, which will run for a minimum of three years, would also help Cairns become a “northern gateway and hub” for international transfers between New Zealand and Asia or America.

Mr Barker said the new route was the result of a “collective effort” between the Cairns Airport, Far North tourism organisations and the Queensland Government, as well as Jetstar being “open-minded to explore other opportunities”.

“As much as I’m really proud of what we and the (Cairns Airport) team do, it’s ultimately it’s the world-class attractions and holiday experiences we deliver,” he said.

“The beauty of the reef and the Daintree rainforest, those things are what really attract people coming here.”

A passenger is greeted by airport staff and loved ones upon his arrival to Cairns. Picture: Bang Media

The service will provide 230 jobs in Cairns and boost the economy by $20m over the next 12 months.

Jetstar customer executive manager Jenn Armor said the airline implemented new routes based on customer demand.

“We see an incredible amount of customer demand between Cairns and the South Island of Christchurch,” she said.

“It’s not only about taking people on holidays, it’s about reconnecting people with their family and their friends, and we’ve been really pleased with the uptake.”

Queensland government’s tourism deputy director-general Chad Anderson said Queensland was a “favourite” destination for New Zealanders.

The first flight departing Cairns for Christchurch will take off on Thursday, April 3. Picture: Bang Media

“New Zealand’s spend is up and it’s continuing to increase. We’re at about a billion dollars per annum (in Queensland) and we’re seeing more and more New Zealanders are wanting to come to experience all of the great offerings that we’ve got here in the Far North.”

Mr Anderson also said the service would be used to transfer freight between the cities, including produce and pharmaceuticals.

Originally published as New Jetstar route connects the Far North to New Zealand’s South Island