• Tri-weekly Melbourne–Ballina Byron service reintroduced in December

Low fares leader Jetstar has delivered another windfall for Northern NSW tourism with the re-introduction of direct low fare Melbourne services to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport timed to commence pre-Christmas.

From 21 December 2010 Jetstar will operate three times weekly Melbourne-Ballina Byron A320 services on a year round basis and offer the region its only direct interstate flight.

This new growth follows Jetstar’s recently announced expansion of Sydney-Ballina Byron flying by five more weekly flights to double daily (14 times weekly commencing 2 December) and represents a new high water mark for Jetstar offering over 300,000 annual seats for the first time in this market.

Jetstar Group Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan said its decision to re-introduce a direct Melbourne service alongside growing Sydney frequencies to Ballina / Byron Bay reflected a renewed confidence in the market and a response to strong regional community and tourism industry support for an interstate air link.

“Jetstar is providing a unique and direct low fare access from Melbourne literally to the doorstep of the world-renowned and unique tourism offering of Byron Bay, Ballina and the Tweed Coast – with the new flying in place for the summer holiday peak,” Mr Buchanan said.

“These new low fare flights will appeal to domestic and international customers as Ballina Byron Airport is the closest gateway to Byron Bay and its surrounds.

“We continue to forge a genuine partnership in growth with the Ballina Byron and Tweed Coast region by delivering more low fare and hassle free flying, with Jetstar now its largest airline operation.”

To celebrate its new Melbourne-Ballina Byron service, Jetstar is offering special one way, web fares from $39 for a limited time. Conditions apply, visit Jetstar.com.

Jetstar’s every day one way fares start from $79 Sydney-Ballina Byron and $89 Melbourne-Ballina Byron at Jetstar.com. (JetSaver Light**). Our fares are backed up by the Jetstar Price Beat Guarantee*.

Jetstar earlier this year also launched the Jetstar Customer Guarantee^. As part of its continued focus on innovation for customer benefit, the airline recently introduced first-time Self-Check Kiosk technology at Ballina Byron Bay Airport.

Mayor of Ballina Shire Council Cr Phil Silver welcomed the return of a direct Melbourne service by Jetstar.

“This announcement is a great shot in the arm for our region and our collective response will be overwhelmingly positive – to make these services work and strongly support this growth,” Cr Silver said.

“Recent community engagement with Ballina Shire residents reported heightened interest in a regular Melbourne service to our Airport. Jetstar’s future expansion will provide our people with more travel choice and allow our tourism industry to continue to confidently target the key Victorian market.”

Ballina Byron Airport is situated five minutes from Ballina and under 30 minutes from Byron Bay.

Jetstar Ballina Byron Services

Jetstar schedule for Melbourne - Ballina Byron – Commences 21 December 2010

Operated 3 times weekly: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

• Melbourne – Ballina Byron - JQ464 Depart: 08:40am Arrive: 1040am
• Ballina Byron – Melbourne - JQ465 Depart: 11:10am Arrive: 1320pm

Jetstar schedule for Sydney - Ballina Byron – New schedule from 2 December 2010

Operates double daily

Sydney – Ballina Byron 

• JQ456 Depart: 07:25am Arrive: 0840am
• JQ457 Depart: 09:10am Arrive: 10.30am

Ballina Byron – Sydney

• JQ458 Depart: 14:55pm Arrive: 1610pm
• JQ459 Depart: 16:40pm Arrive: 18.00pm

SALE DETAILS

Fares for travel on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only between 1 February – 3 March 2011. Fares are on sale between 4pm - 8pm (AEDT) today only (22 October 2010), unless sold out prior. Sale fares are one-way JetSaver Light^ fares for when you travel with carry on baggage only. However for $10 per domestic flight sector and $20 more per international flight sector you can choose a JetSaver fare and get a 20kg checked baggage allowance.

Fares may not be available on all flights and days. Limited availability over public holidays and weekends.

^ Conditions apply