Jetstar launches direct flights from Melbourne to Zhengzhou, China

JETSTAR’S latest flight route is set to put a previously little-known destination on the map for Aussies.

Jetstar has launched a new direct route to China. Picture: Nigel Hallett

JETSTAR’S latest flight route is set to put a previously little-known destination on the radar for Aussie travellers.

The city of Zhengzhou, in central China, is the latest flight route to be added to the budget airline’s network.

The city, the capital of Henan Province, is famous for its Shaolin Monastery - known as the birthplace of kung fu.

The city has been named one of the emerging megacities in China, and it is considered a major transportation hub for central China.

While Jetstar already has several Chinese cities as part of its network, Zhengzhou becomes the airline’s only direct flight from Australia to China.

Fares from Australia start from $566 one way, with the twice-weekly flights on Jetstar’s Boeing 787 aircraft expected to bring an additional 35,000 Chinese tourists to Australia each year.

Zhengzhou is known for its Shaolin temple.

Jetstar Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the growing middle class in China presented enormous opportunities for Australian tourism.

“We are excited to provide a direct link from Melbourne to Zhengzhou in China, a city of more than 10 million people,” she said.

“We expect our low-fares will further stimulate inbound tourism from China to Australia.

“China already accounts for the largest source of tourism in Victoria, and by 2020 it’s predicted that China will overtake New Zealand to be Australia’s largest tourism market.

“We know that Chinese travellers generally visit 2 or 3 cities when they visit Australia so we expect this will boost tourism to other parts of Australia.

The Henan Art Center in Zhengzhou.

“China is an incredibly important market for us and will continue to grow. Jetstar started flying to China just eight years ago, and we now operate 68 flights per week across Asia to 20 destinations in China.”

Victoria’s Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said: “More direct flights to China means more visitors and greater business and trade opportunities for Victorians. To land Jetstar’s new direct service to Zhengzhou is another major coup – and further proof Victoria has the best of everything.”

For details see jetstar.com