Low fares airline Jetstar has announced its intention to appoint airport service providers SkyCare International (SkyCare) and Skystar Airport Services (Skystar) for the provision of Ramp and Passenger Handling functions for its future domestic New Zealand* operations.

SkyCare, New Zealand’s largest corporate ground handling service provider, will provide Ramp and Passenger Handling Services for Jetstar’s proposed low fare domestic operations from Auckland*, Wellington* and Queenstown* Airports when flights commence on 10 June 2009*.

Skystar will further expand its existing provision of Ramp and Passenger Services for Jetstar by providing these airport service functions for the carrier’s future domestic operations from Christchurch*.

Skystar already supplies Ramp and Passenger Handling Services for Jetstar’s existing 28 weekly return flights from the low fare carrier’s South Island air gateway at Christchurch International Airport.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan said the appointments represented a further step in the airline’s continued pathway towards introducing future competitive, every day low fare domestic flying within the New Zealand market.

Mr Buchanan said SkyCare was also recently appointed to support its launch of future Auckland* trans Tasman services via 14 weekly international return flights to commence on 28 April 2009*.

“These appointments signify Jetstar’s commitment to deliver high service outcomes for our customers at Airports via a platform of sustainable low cost operations,” Mr Buchanan said.

“Jetstar will consolidate all of its Ramp and Passenger Handling functions within New Zealand between these two quality airport service providers, which both have a proven track record in achieving strong and efficient customer and baggage service delivery functions for air travellers.

“The customer experience with Jetstar at New Zealand airports with our future domestic services will be high, and we will offer a choice of convenient check-in options including state of the art Self-Service Kiosks at Auckland*, Christchurch* and Wellington* Airports, our popular Web Check-in service via Jetstar.com as well as traditional check-in facilities.

“Both entities will employ additional staff to support Jetstar’s growing New Zealand flying business, reaffirming our airline’s commitment to create hundreds of new jobs to accommodate our future entry into the domestic New Zealand market.”

Mr Buchanan said Jetstar was making strong headway in the recruitment of pilots, cabin crew, engineers, airport and line management roles to support its fledging growth in New Zealand where a fleet of six A320 aircraft will be based by June.

“The announcements form part of our AU$250 million financial commitment to the New Zealand economy underpinned by our future domestic New Zealand low fare operations,” Mr Buchanan said.

From 10 June 2009* Jetstar will begin to fly up to five* future domestic New Zealand routes and move to operate 84 weekly return services.

* Subject to Regulatory approval