A new chapter of Australian aviation history began today with Jetstar entering its second decade of flying cementing the airline’s commitment to offering more people the opportunity to experience travel than ever before.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand executive officer David Hall was joined by Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce – and many Jetstar team members to celebrate 10 years of flying at the airline’s maintenance hangar at Melbourne Airport.

“Today is the culmination and recognition of the dedication and passion of more than 7,000 team members who are the heart of Jetstar,” Mr Hall said.

“Australia’s third largest airline and one of Asia Pacific’s most recognised brands started off as an idea put forward in a business case more than 10 years ago.

“It is fanastic to be here on the 10th anniversary of Jetstar first taking to the skies to reflect on how far we have come and the exciting future before us.

“Today the Jetstar network spans 17 countries and territories linking 64 destinations from Dunedin to Darwin and Sapporo to Singapore.

“We’ve been the pioneers of bringing low fares to the Asia Pacific. We’e introduced mobile check in, straight to gate in Singapore and transformed the way Japanese consumers purchase their airfares.

“All of this has been achieved with our commitment to safety and our people and of course the more than 140 million passengers who have flown with us since out first flight – 10 years ago.

“Today we are joined by some of the original crew who operated the very first Jetstar flight – JQ 371 from Newcastle to Melbourne on 25 May 2004.

“Of the 700 team members who started with us on the first day of operations, I am delighted that more than half are still with us, 10 years on.”

To mark this occasion – Jetstar today unveiled a special celebration livery on one of its A320 aircraft.

The aircraft is painted orange reversing Jetstar’s original livery. The aircraft also features text on either side of the fuselage reaffirming the airline’s commitment to low fares and the creation of a new generation of air traveller.

Seven painters worked to transform the A320 aircraft using a special paint which is lighter saving fuel costs.

“I am sure our customers will take great joy in spotting and flying on our 10th birthday aircraft which will be a regular visitor to many of our most popular Jetstar ports,” Mr Hall said.

“Jetstar is a true Australian success story – and today we have other Jetstar branded airlines operating in Singapore, Japan, Vietnam and preparations continue for the launch of Jetstar Hong Kong*.

“In our 10 year history, the Jetstar Group has operated more than one million flights and sold more than three million Australian domestic fares for under $50.

“It has been an amazing journey – and we believe the best is yet to come.