• Special launch web fares from $59# one way at Jetstar.com

Australia’s low fares airline Jetstar today announced it will launch a new and innovative Hobart-Gold Coast daily A320 service starting from 22 December 2010.

Jetstar will uniquely be the only airline to offer direct flights between both cities. Commencing pre-Christmas, the flights represent an additional 126,000 annual domestic seats in these markets.

It will also establish a new direct link to Tasmania from Jetstar’s growing Gold Coast flying hub that includes supporting double daily international services through to Japan as well as trans Tasman flights. Over 112,000 Japanese tourists visited the Gold Coast last year and a future convenient link into Tasmania will enhance low fare access to this important tourism export market.

Jetstar’s commitment to again expand its Hobart flying follows last month’s announced increase during December 2010 of both its Sydney-Hobart (from 2 daily to 3 daily from 2 December 2010) and Melbourne-Hobart (from 4 daily to 5 daily from 6 December 2010) services, and expansion by 40 per cent in Launceston via additional daily services from Melbourne and Sydney.

The low fares leader also announced an expanded Melbourne-Hobart schedule of 6 times daily return services over the summer holiday peak between 22 December 2010 and 31 January 2011.

Jetstar today launched the new direct route with two hour, one-way sale fares from Hobart-Gold Coast $59 (JetSaver Light*) at Jetstar.com. (#Terms and Conditions apply). A second web sale tomorrow offers special one-way with fares from $89 (JetSaver Light). (##Terms and conditions apply).

Jetstar’s everyday fares start from $129 the Gold Coast – Hobart (JetSaver Light) – up to 30 per cent lower then current competitors’ fares between Tasmania and South East Queensland, making this new daily service the most direct, seamless and cheapest way to fly between these markets.

All Jetstar fares are backed up by the Jetstar Price Beat Guarantee**, whereby Jetstar will beat a competitor by 10 percent. Conditions apply, visit Jetstar.com.

Jetstar Chief Commercial Officer David Koczkar said the low fares leader will now offer a total of up to 140 weekly return domestic flights supporting Tasmanian tourism and enterprise.

“Jetstar is committed to making low fare travel in Tasmania even more accessible and affordable through this important addition of a daily Gold Coast to Hobart air link. Travellers including families travelling between the Gold Coast and Hobart this holiday season will now save time and enjoy even greater value for money with Jetstar’s latest new flight offering,” Mr Koczkar said.

“The launch of these flights coincides with the busiest time of the travelling year for families. We understand our low fares are just part of the story, and family and holiday makers travelling between the two cities will enjoy direct flights, minus the stopover.”

Tasmania Tourism Minister Michelle O’Byrne MP said: “Jetstar’s decision to introduce a new daily direct Gold Coast service is great news for Tasmania and for tourism. It is pleasing to see a major carrier having the confidence in our tourism future to introduce this new direct service into our state. Our tourism and hospitality industry, retailers and many other businesses will benefit from the additional visitors these Gold Coast flights will deliver.”

Hobart International Airport Chief Executive Officer Brett Reiss said: “The addition of a direct daily service between Hobart and Gold Coast will make the journey much easier for travellers. The new service will launch in time for the peak travel period, which is fantastic news for the Tasmanian tourism industry.”

All Jetstar fares are combined with award-winning customer service, strengthened by the launch of the Jetstar Customer Guarantee earlier this year in a first for the aviation industry in this region.

Jetstar’s Gold Coast - Hobart schedule from 22 December 2010

22 December 2010 – 31 January 2011

• Gold Coast-Hobart - JQ 731 - 08.35-12.10
• Hobart-Gold Coast - JQ 732 - 12.40-14.00

1 February 2011 – 2 April 2011

• Gold Coast-Hobart - JQ 731 16.20-19.55
• Hobart-Gold Coast - JQ 732 20.25-21.45

From 3 April 2011

• Gold Coast-Hobart - JQ 731 - 10.10-12.45
• Hobart-Gold Coast - JQ 732 - 13.15-15.35

Jetstar’s Melbourne - Hobart schedule from 22 December 2010-31 January 2011

(Departure times shown only)

Melbourne-Hobart

• 07.00, 08.15, 11.40, 14.00 (additional), 15.50, 20.15

Hobart-Melbourne

• 08.45, 10.00, 13.25, 15.45 (additional), 17.35, 22.00

HOBART TO/ FROM: One-way JetSaver Light* fare at Jetstar.com from:

• Gold Coast $129

*JetSaver Light fares offer customers the choice to travel for a lower fare with carry on baggage only – to a maximum of 10kg. JetSaver fares can be purchased for $10AUD more per domestic flight with a 20kg checked-in baggage allowance, plus 10kg carry-on.

**With the Jetstar Price Beat Guarantee, Jetstar will beat a competitor by 10 percent. Conditions apply, for more information on the Jetstar Price Beat Guarantee, visit Jetstar.com.

#SALE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Sale fares for travel from 04 May to 02 June 2011. Fares on sale between 4.00pm - 6.00pm (AEDT) Tuesday 16 November 2010 unless sold out prior. Limited availability - these fares are not available on all flights or days. Sale may be extended. See jetstar.com for details. Flights from the Gold Coast to Hobart commence 22 December 2010. Sale fares are based on payments by direct deposit through jetstar.com. For all card payments an additional $3.50 per passenger, per domestic flight sector will apply, unless you pay with a Jetstar MasterCard or Jetstar Platinum MasterCard. Flights depart Gold Coast Airport. Fares are one way. Fares are non-refundable. Limited changes are permitted, charges apply. Carry-on baggage limits, including size restrictions, will be strictly applied. Passengers with more than the applicable carry-on baggage allowance will need to check in baggage and charges will apply. Conditions apply. See jetstar.com for more details.

##SALE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Sale fares for travel from 16 February 2011 to 13 April 2011. Fares on sale between 12.01am – 11.59pm (AEDT) Wednesday 17 November 2010 unless sold out prior. Limited availability - these fares are not available on all flights or days. Sale may be extended. See jetstar.com for details. Flights from the Gold Coast to Hobart commence 22 December 2010.