Jetstar is delivering the single biggest expansion ever of its Perth operations—launching a third new service between Perth and Asia, opening a new aircraft and pilot base in the West, and shifting its domestic flights to Terminal 2 from today.
Following the launch of its new Jetstar services between Perth and Singapore and Phuket last month, Jetstar will begin flying up to four times a week between Perth and Bangkok from this Friday, 6 September 2024.
The airline’s three new services between WA’s capital and Asia create more than 300,000 new low fares seats each year, giving West Australians more travel options and bringing thousands of tourists into the state.
With one stop in Singapore, customers can connect to Jetstar Asia’s network of 17 destinations including Colombo, Sri Lanka and Okinawa in Japan.
The additional flying in WA follows the launch earlier this year of low-cost flights between Sydney and Busselton Margaret River and Singapore and Broome on Jetstar Asia.
Pilot and aircraft base
To support these new flights and potential further growth out of WA, Jetstar has today officially opened a new base in Perth for up to 60 pilots and four of the newest aircraft in its fleet, the Airbus A321neo LR.
The Perth-based aircraft are part of a pipeline of 38 new A321neo LR and XLR aircraft set to join Jetstar’s fleet by 2029.
It’s 15th new LR recently touched down in Australia, as the carrier enters a new era of fleet renewal, network growth and stronger reliability.
Domestic flights move to T2
From today, all of Jetstar’s Perth flights will arrive or depart at the Airport Central precinct.
The carrier has shifted its domestic services from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 which is next to Terminal 1 where its international flights operate from, providing a quicker and more convenient journey for customers connecting between flights.
The change means customers can walk between Jetstar’s domestic and international services, rather than having to take a shuttle bus between terminal precincts, and more easily connect to central Perth via the underground airport train station.
Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, said after 20 years of flying in Australia, Jetstar is looking west for future growth opportunities.
“Strong demand continues for low fares flying and we’ll offer more than 300,000 new low fares seats a year with these new flights between Perth and Singapore, Phuket and Bangkok.
“Last year we flew more than 370,000 customers between Perth and Bali, so we know West Australians can’t get enough of Asia, and we’re confident these new flights will be just as popular.
“Initially basing up to 60 pilots and four aircraft in Perth will allow us to continue to expand our network out of the West in coming years, providing more choice for West Australians and boosting the state’s tourism economy.”
WA Tourism Minister, Rita Saffioti, has welcomed Jetstar’s new flights.
“These new non-stop services from across South East Asia to Perth will provide a significant boost for Western Australia’s tourism industry by driving inbound visitation and strengthening Perth’s reputation as the Western Gateway to Australia.
“We expect to see not only an increase in travellers arriving from these countries directly, but critically, more inbound traffic from markets with massive growth potential across Asia.
“We also really welcome the expansion of Jetstar’s operations which is supporting up to 60 pilots and is another huge vote of confidence in the Western Gateway.”
Perth Airport CEO, Jason Waters, said it is exciting to see Jetstar expand its international network into Perth.
“The airline has shown its commitment to Western Australia through its investment in new aircraft and the WA pilot base. These commitments will create more local jobs and deliver enormous benefits to the tourism and trade opportunities.
