• Experienced aviation executive Grant Kerr to be Head of New Zealand
• New position joins a strengthened local leadership team
• Further Jetstar commitment to New Zealanders that low fares are here for the long-haul

Jetstar today announced the appointment of aviation executive Grant Kerr to head its New Zealand operations.

The new Auckland-based position will oversee the airline’s operations, customer experience and stakeholder relations in New Zealand and will lead the carrier’s more than 500 New Zealand team members.

Mr Kerr, who will report into the Jetstar CEO Australia and New Zealand, will also be responsible for Jetstar’s community partnerships, such as the successful Flying Start charity program.

David Hall, Jetstar CEO Australia and New Zealand, said the appointment was important for the airline as it focuses on improving its New Zealand services and getting more people to fly more often.

“Grant is joining Jetstar New Zealand at an exciting time. With a fleet of nine aircraft operating 400 domestic and 100 international flights each week, Jetstar has reached a scale where we are a viable and cost effective choice for both business and leisure travellers,” he said.

“This new appointment is a further commitment to New Zealanders that Jetstar and our low fares are here for the long-haul.”

Mr Hall said the new Head of New Zealand role would focus on improving operational performance and ensuring the airline continued to grow its share of the market.

“We know New Zealanders appreciate having a choice when flying domestically and internationally and they have embraced the low fares that Jetstar offers,” he said.

“We want to improve the customer experience, in particular focussing on our on-time performance. While we have made some improvements in this area, we know our passengers want the assurance of consistent service as much as they want low fares. This will be a major priority for Grant and the team.”

Mr Hall said Grant would be a real asset to the New Zealand business. “Grant knows the New Zealand aviation market well, with many years of experience in airline management,” Mr Hall said. “His local knowledge and understanding will be valuable as we continue to improve and grow our New Zealand operation.”

Mr Kerr said: “Jetstar has changed the way New Zealanders fly by offering low fares every day on a growing domestic and international network. I look forward to being part of the airline’s future success.”

Mr Kerr is expected to start in the new role in the second half of this year and will join recent senior appointments to the New Zealand leadership team including Manager Flight Operations Richard Falkner, Manager Crew Base Jo-Ann Day-Townsend and Communications Manager Phil Boeyen.