Home » News » ‘Jetstar has transformed the way Australians travel’ – Airline celebrates 20th birthday

28 May, 2024

‘Jetstar has transformed the way Australians travel’ – Airline celebrates 20th birthday

Qantas’ low cost airline Jetstar turned 20 on Saturday. The airline celebrated by re-enacting its inaugural flight from Newcastle to Melbourne with several of the same original pilots, cabin crew and customers on board.

Jetstar’s new uniform, which will be rolled out later this year, was worn by the crew on the flight, symbolising the airline’s transition into a new era of low fares, new aircraft and stronger reliability.

Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, and Melbourne Airport’s CEO, Lorie Argus, welcomed the arrival of JQ471 when it landed in Melbourne. Jetstar staff smile for picture

Source: Jetstar LinkedInStarting with a fleet of 14 aircraft in 2004 flying only along Australia’s east coast, Jetstar has grown into one of the biggest and most successful low-cost carriers in the Asia Pacific, operating across nearly 150 domestic and international routes.

The airline’s launch in 2004 was one of the most successful airline launches in the world, with 100,000 fares sold in the first day.

Since that day, Jetstar has flown more than 400 million customers, with more than half flying for less than $100. Last year the airline sold more than 12 million fares for less than $100 and is on track to exceed that figure this year.

To further mark this important occasion for Jetstar, the airline is offering one-way fares between Newcastle and Melbourne from just $49 at jetstar.com.

Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, said the airline has helped to put downward pressure on airfares over the past 20 years and its commitment to helping Australians take off more is as strong as ever.

“Jetstar has transformed the way Australians travel. Before we launched 20 years ago, many families’ only option was packing up the car and hitting the road. Our low fares meant they could afford to instead jump on a plane and head off to the Gold Coast, Bali or elsewhere for their family holiday.

“While it’s our birthday, today is about celebrating the 400-million customers who’ve chosen to fly with us across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific over the past two decades.

“As we welcome new aircraft into our fleet and add more destinations to our network, we’re excited about the next 20 years and a new era of low-cost travel in Australia.”

Jetstar Captain, Jeff Bray operated Jetstar’s inaugural flight and was on board again today.

“I’ve flown on thousands of Jetstar flights over 20 years, and while every flight is important, today’s service is particularly special for the team.

“It’s a moment to reunite with other long serving colleagues who I started out with on 25 May 2004 and some of the same customers who were on board two decades ago.

“We’ve always carried first time flyers and that’s what makes Jetstar unique, we’re providing low fares so more people can afford to fly.”

(Featured Image: Jetstar LinkedIn page)

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