Low fares leader Jetstar has celebrated its inaugural flight from Singapore to Ningbo in Zhejiang province, the carrier’s eighth Chinese destination.

Jetstar is the only carrier offering a direct flight between the two cities and will initially operate a three times weekly service that will grow to four times weekly by November.

Jetstar has rapidly expanded its footprint into China over the last 18 months. In addition to Ningbo, it is preparing to launch long-haul flights from Singapore (and Melbourne) to Beijing on 24 November*.

Jetstar Asia Chief Executive Officer Ms Chong Phit Lian was on the inaugural service to celebrate what will be Ningbo’s very first arrival of an international low cost carrier.

“Our flight from Ningbo to Singapore is full, reflecting the strong appetite for not only our low fares but our exclusive direct flight to Singapore.

“The combination of direct services and low fares has the ability to stimulate demand and create new markets for air travel.

“Cutting up to five hours off journeys between Singapore and Ningbo will make not only holidays but business trips cheaper and easier, with ability to connect to the many other destinations on the Jetstar network.

“Already we are seeing strong levels of leisure traffic from Ningbo and strong support for the route from the Singapore–Zhejiang business community.

“Our fares on the route are an average of 40 per cent lower than one stop offerings from full service competitors, with sale fares even cheaper” Ms Chong said.

Mr Li Guo Sheng, Secretary of the Ningbo Association, said, “Ningbo business people who are based in Singapore have long hoped for a direct connection between the two cities, so we are delighted to hear about Jetstar’s service.

“Ningbo is one of China’s most vibrant coastal cities, while Singapore is an important gateway for Ningbo businesses to reach into Southeast Asia’s population of 500 million.

“We are confident that the new service will bring more commercial opportunities for both Singapore and Ningbo,” Mr Li Guosheng said.

Mr Edward Koh, Singapore Tourism Board’s Regional Director for Greater China said, “We believe that with Jetstar Asia’s new Ningbo-Singapore flight, residents from Ningbo and its neighbouring cities will find it even more convenient and accessible to travel to Singapore.

“Singapore saw more than a million Chinese visiting our sunny shores this year.

“This growing number is testament to the concentration of multi-faceted and user-centric travel experiences that Singapore has to engage Chinese tourists, whether they are repeat visitors or here for the first time,” he said.

Jetstar’s all day, everyday lead-in fares between Singapore and Ningbo start from SGD198 one way, all inclusive of surcharges, fees and taxes.

With the Ningbo service, Jetstar now operates close to 100 weekly flights from Singapore to eight destinations in mainland and Greater China including Guilin, Haikou, Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Macau, Shantou, and Taipei.

In late November, Jetstar will also commence long haul services with its fleet of two class A330-200 aircraft to Beijing, from Melbourne via Singapore*.

The Jetstar network covers 56 destinations in 17 countries and territories and is the fastest growing low-cost airline in the Asia Pacific region.

(* flights subject to regulatory approval)

Jetstar’s three times weekly flight schedule from 9 September 2011:

(Departure times shown)

• Singapore-Ningbo - 3K835 Depart 11:25
• Ningbo-Singapore - 3K836 Depart 17:20

Flights operate on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The service will expand to four flights per week from 31 October 2011 with an additional Thursday service.