Australia’s low fares leader Jetstar has launched two new interline agreements with Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific and Dragonair which will allow customers to purchase a Jetstar or Jetstar Pacific* flight as part of a single integrated transaction and travel itinerary. (*Subject to e-ticket implementation).

Cathay Pacific operates up to 18 daily services between Hong Kong and Australia, New Zealand and Vietnam, while Dragonair offers an extensive North Asian network and connects into Jetstar Pacific in Vietnam via Hanoi.

The agreements mark the 16th and 17th established interline airline agreements in Jetstar’s growing carrier partnerships including Qantas, Air France/KLM, American Airlines, Air Canada and Japan Airlines.

Jetstar Chief Commercial Officer David Koczkar said the new agreements are part of Jetstar’s ongoing expansion into the China market.

Mr Koczkar said this would provide a new and important connection for inbound Hong Kong and Chinese flyers to travel to and around Australia as well as within Asia on its Pan Asian network.

“These agreements enable Cathay Pacific and Dragonair customers to access and book a Jetstar domestic or international sector as part of a single seamless reservation,” Mr Koczkar said.

“This will be particularly attractive for Hong Kong and Chinese flyers planning their travel to and within Australia and New Zealand, as well as on our growing domestic Vietnamese operations.

“With China rapidly becoming one of Australia and New Zealand's most important source markets for international visitors, this has the potential to be a major benefit for the trans Tasman tourism sector seeking to tap into this important and growing market.

“According to the latest International Visitors Survey, China is now Australia’s largest source market in terms of economic value, contributing $3 billion in the year to September 2010.

“In the same period over 408,000 Chinese visited Australia as its fourth largest international market.

“As a growing player in the Chinese market with our own straightforward and relatively aggressive China strategy we hope to play a positive future role in global aviation’s key future travel market.”

For passengers connecting international to international under the agreement, Jetstar will provide Cathay Pacific and Dragonair customers baggage allowances, through bag-tagging and on select services, complimentary onboard offerings such as meals and comfort packs.