• Jetstar’s first international flight from Townsville to depart for Bali this evening
• More than 10,000 seats booked since fares went on sale in April 2015
• Special ‘Return for Free’ sale running until 11:59pm 2 September 2015

Jetstar’s first ever international flight from Townsville Airport is set to depart for Bali at full capacity this evening to mark a successful start to the new route.

The introduction of the first international service from Townsville since 2011 has been well supported by local travellers with more than 10,000 seats booked since fares went on sale in April.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO David Hall said Jetstar was pleased to bring international flying back to Townsville.

“We know Bali is one of the most popular holiday spots in Asia and we’re delighted to bring a direct low fares link to the people of Townsville,” Mr Hall said.

“There’s no doubt this direct service, with a flight time under five hours, will be a lot more attractive for local travellers than having to fly south to connect on to Bali services from Brisbane or Sydney.

“As the largest city in North Queensland with a population close to 200,000, we’re confident Townsville will continue to support our Bali services and ensure they’re sustainable year-round.”

Townsville Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said today is an important day in the airport’s history.

“On behalf of Townsville Airport and our city, I’d like to thank Jetstar for their ongoing commitment to the region,” Mr Gill said.

“Direct international services is something the airport, our key supporters and the community have been lobbying to achieve for some time, it’s great to see that hard work pay off.

“From today, Townsville locals will be able to fly direct to Bali and the holiday needn’t stop there. Townsville locals can continue to a host of international destinations from Bali such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia and Thailand through Jetstar’s Singapore hub.

“We encourage the community to support the new service and take advantage of the great fares on offer.”

Mr Hall added that its Townsville-Bali flights wouldn’t have been viable without strong commitment to a cost-effective customs solution at the airport.

“Full credit to local MP Ewen Jones and Kevin Gill from Townsville Airport for the part they’ve played in making these flights possible,” Mr Hall said.

“It’s always a big undertaking to launch a new international route and their support has been vital in making this a reality.”

With the addition of the Bali-Townsville flights, Jetstar now offers more than 11,000 seats in and out of Townsville Airport each week.

Flights depart from Townsville on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 22:55 and arrive in Bali at 01:30 the following day. Return services will depart Bali at 02:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and arrive same day in Townsville at 09:15.

Jetstar offers up to 50 return flights to Bali from Australia each week – more than any other airline.

LAUNCH SALE INFORMATION

Fly Townsville – Bali from $189 return (AUD)*

For every specially marked starter fare booked, customers will receive a return starter fare free.

Offer applies to select travel from:

• 14 October-9 December 2015
• 3 February-17 March 2016
• 13 April to 31 May 2016

Offer ends 23:59 (AEST) Wednesday 2 September 2015, unless sold out prior. Offer is subject to availability, and may be extended.

* Checked baggage is not included, but may be added for an additional fee per passenger. Prices based on payment by direct deposit / POLi, voucher, Jetstar MasterCard or Jetstar Platinum MasterCard for bookings through jetstar.com. For all other bookings, a Booking and Service Fee of $8.50-$12.50 per passenger, per international flight applies.