Australia’s first direct low fares service from Brisbane to Honolulu took off today with more than 270 passengers bound for the land of luaus and leisure.

Jetstar’s newest international route from Brisbane will be serviced by Airbus A330 aircraft up to three times a week during the peak season.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO David Hall said the introduction of low fares on the Honolulu route had opened up a new world of affordable holidays for Queenslanders.

“We’re excited to be able to offer our Brisbane customers the choice of more international destinations than ever before,” Mr Hall said.

“Hawaii has always been one of the most popular destinations on our international network and we’ve seen many Queensland customers connect through Sydney Airport over the years.

“With the introduction of this new route our Brisbane customers can avoid domestic connections and fly direct to Hawaii in just over nine hours.

“It’s a hassle-free and simple way for families and groups of friends to get away for a much needed break in a tropical paradise.”

Brisbane joins Sydney and Melbourne as the only major Australian cities to have a direct low fares link to Hawaii.

The launch of these new flights follows the introduction of Jetstar’s 787 on the Brisbane to Bail route in April this year – delivering up to 4690 international seats in and out of Brisbane every week.

Mr Hall said the flights provided good inbound tourism opportunities for Southeast Queensland given Hawaii had a local population of more than 1.4 million people.

“We’re pleased to open up a new part of Australia to Hawaiian tourists keen to see some of our world-renowned beaches for the lowest fare,” he added.

Flights on Brisbane-Honolulu routes are operated by 335-seat Airbus A330 aircraft with business and economy class cabins. Jetstar’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner will come on to the route in 2015.

Flights will depart from Brisbane on Tuesdays and Fridays with services operating from Honolulu on Mondays and Thursdays. Jetstar will increase to three services a week during the peak and school holiday periods.