Low fares leader Jetstar has become the first foreign carrier to fly between Singapore and Shantou, situated in China’s Guangdong Province, with inaugural flight 3K 823 taking off this morning from Singapore Changi Airport.

Jetstar will operate the new route as a three times weekly A320 return service between Shantou Waisha Airport and Singapore.

Jetstar Asia is the first foreign carrier to operate international flights into Shantou Waisha Airport.

Shantou is Jetstar Asia’s 20th destination and second mainland China service, following the commencement of direct Singapore-Haikou flights (4 times weekly) in the Hainan Province from 16 December 2009.

Jetstar also operates daily Chinese services from Singapore to Hong Kong, Taipei and Macau with all its operations conducted from Terminal One at Singapore Changi Airport.

Jetstar Asia and Valuair CEO Ms Chong Phit Lian said China was a focus for future growth considerations by Jetstar and had immense potential for Jetstar’s low fares offering and broader Qantas Group network connections.

“Our latest low fare services, representing Jetstar’s 2nd mainland Chinese market, will provide an unprecedented direct flight link for Teochew descendents now based or living in Singapore and the Guangdong Province as well as a convenient low fare flight offering for leisure and business travelers,” Ms Chong said.

Ms Chong was joined on Jetstar’s inaugural Singapore-Shantou service by members of Singapore’s Teochew Association along with one lucky couple who were married on board the flight before it started its journey to Shantou.

Rachel Chan and Alvin Lim, both intrepid travelers, exchanged vows in the presence of a Justice of the Peace on board Flight 3K 823, in front of some family members and all inaugural flight passengers.

“Celebrating the joining of two people in marriage on our flight today is the perfect symbol to commemorate this new flight route,” Ms Chong said.

“Direct, low fare access between Singapore and Shantou will provide a valuable link for thousands and thousands of Teochew and Hakka families.

“Celebrating the creation of the newest family is a great way for us to start our services.”

Shantou, a city of 5 million residents, is one of five special economic zones in China, and its commercial activities include it being the communication hub of southeast China.

“First time direct flight access between Shantou and Singapore will shave hours off existing travel times for travel between both cities and regions,” Ms Chong said.

“Our direct flight time of just below 4 hours will halve the previous one stop flight option.”

Jetstar’s Jetsaver Light one way web fares from Singapore to Shantou start from SGD$208 at Jetstar.com.

Jetstar’s Singapore-Shantou schedule will operate each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between 1 February – 11 March 2010 before reverting from 13 March 2010 with departures each Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Singapore-Shantou schedule (Departure times shown)

2 February – 11 March 2010

• Singapore-Shantou - 3K 823 - 0600–1000
• Shantou-Singapore - 3K 824 - 1040–1440

Departs Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 1 Feb – 11 March 2010

Departs Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 13 March 2010 onwards

(An additional service will operate on Monday 15 Feb 2010 only)