Jetstar to launch new non-stop Christchurch to Perth flights
Starting in October this year, Jetstar will offer non-stop flights between Christchurch and Perth using their new Perth based Airbus A321LRs.
A brand new Jetstar Airbus A321NEOLR that will fly the new route | Photo: Bidgee
The new service will take flight on October 27th this year and run through the summer flying three times per week until March 2027, adding more than 30,000 seats over summer.
Flight from Perth will take just over six hours while the flight from Christchurch will be in the air for slightly over seven hours. The flights from Perth are shorter due to the prevailing westerly winds
Flights will be operated using Jetstar’s Perth based new state of the art Airbus A321NEOLR aircraft. The A321 aircraft began delivery to Jetstar in 2022.
The flight will offer great connections to long haul international flights from Perth such as parent company Qantas’ ultra long haul flights to Europe.
The flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays as JQ184 from Christchurch and JQ185 from Perth. JQ184 will take off from Christchurch at 8:15 pm and land at around 10:30 pm while JQ185 will depart Perth at 7:45 am and arrive at 6:55pm.
One of the Jetstar A321NEOLR aircraft that will operate the flights to Perth | Photo: Bahnfrend
Christchurch has recently seen strong growth being announced with Air NZ boosting existing services and adding new flights from Christchurch to Adelaide and Rarotonga. Qantas group has also expanded its Garden City flights with an increase in capacity on several routes and the new Jetstar flight to Perth - which is the first time this route has ever been operated.
The new flight between New Zealand and Australia from Jetstar will place even more pressure on Air New Zealand. Last week, Air NZ reported a loss of over $40 million for the half-year ending December 31 while the Qantas group posted an over $1 billion profit. In December, Qantas launched a non-stop Auckland-Perth flight in direct competition with Air NZs existing route between the two cities.
Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully said the airline had detected strong demand for low‑fares travel on both sides of the Tasman. “And we’re excited to offer customers even more choice as we continue to expand our transtasman network,” she added.
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson said the Perth service reflects building demand and a strong airline partnership. “We are stoked to add another destination to our Australian network its fantastic news, it gives South Islanders even more choice and strengthens our ties with our most important market. Growing these connections supports tourism, business and trade, and ensures Christchurch remains a strong, competitive gateway for the South Island.”