Australia’s low fares leader Jetstar will today begin daily Perth-Gold Coast flights as the only airline offering a direct connection between the West Coast capital city and the popular beach holiday destination.

The innovative direct service is a welcome tourism boost leading into the winter months, equating to an additional 129,000 seats each year between the destinations.

With the addition of Perth-Brisbane in December and now Perth-Gold Coast, Jetstar has grown its offering in the Western Australia market by 60 per cent in the last six months to now offer a total of six domestic routes from Perth.

Jetstar’s all day, every day low fares between Perth and the Gold Coast start from $209 one way (JetSaver Light)*. Visit Jetstar.com.

Jetstar Group CEO Bruce Buchanan said Jetstar was promoting the innovative new connection to generate tourism benefits for Perth and the Gold Coast.

“This unique connection further grows Jetstar’s domestic route network for the benefit of Australian tourism and travellers,” Mr Buchanan said.

“By better linking Perth through more low fare flying, West Australians can now access the Gold Coast, a great destination in itself, and an even greater choice of destinations through Jetstar’s international and domestic flying hub in this location.

“Low fare flight for Perth residents directly into South East Queensland and the eastern states has never been easier as a result of Jetstar’s ever growing flight network.”

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Paul Donovan said the service was the result of a strong working relationship between Jetstar and Gold Coast Airport.

“The commencement of this service is great news for the Gold Coast, with the commitment from Jetstar set to boost tourism numbers to the Gold and Tweed Coasts,” Mr Donovan said.

“The Gold Coast-Perth service means we have flights to every capital city.”

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter welcomed Jetstar’s continued commitment to the success of the Gold Coast as a major Australian destination for travellers.

“The Gold Coast attracted more than 22,000 visitors from Perth in the past 12 months and we expect even more West Australians will take advantage of better access to Australia’s fun capital, we are certainly ready to welcome them,” said Mr Winter.

Jetstar’s Perth-Gold Coast schedule from 04 April 2011

• Perth-Gold Coast - JQ983 01.25 – 07.55 Daily
• Gold Coast-Perth - JQ982 21.00 – 00.45 Daily

*JetSaver Light fares offer customers the choice to travel for a lower fare with carry-on baggage only – to a maximum of 10kg. JetSaver fares can be purchased for $10AUD more per domestic flight with a 20kg checked-in baggage allowance, plus 10kg carry-on.