• Jetstar’s first international service to South Australia begins today
• Now flying to four Australian destinations from New Zealand
• Special first flight sale with one-way fares at $169*

Jetstar’s inaugural Auckland-Adelaide flight took off early this afternoon marking the airline’s first international service to the South Australian capital.

Adelaide is Jetstar’s fourth trans-Tasman destination. The airline currently offers flights across the Tasman to Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast from Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Grant Kerr, Jetstar’s Head of New Zealand, said the airline was pleased to be offering competition on what was previously a monopoly route.

“Jetstar’s goal is to grow markets by offering lower fares and we’re looking forward to increasing the number of people flying between Auckland and Adelaide," Mr Kerr said.

“Australia is the most popular overseas destination for New Zealanders and our new service offers Kiwis the chance to fly direct to South Australia at very competitive prices.”

Mr Kerr said that the airline expected the route to be popular with both leisure travellers and those visiting friends and relatives.

“We know that travellers prefer a direct air service and we believe our entry on this route will encourage many more Kiwis to discover South Australia’s world-famous vineyards, restaurants and pristine beaches," Mr Kerr said.

“Auckland and Adelaide both have sizable populations of over one million so we also expect many people will use the new service to visit family and friends on both sides of the Tasman.”

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said these flights will provide a real boost to the State’s tourism industry.

“With 39,000 visitors per year, New Zealand is already our second biggest international source market – behind only the UK,” Minister Bignell said.

“It is also a growing market for us – our most recent results show visitor numbers are 7% up on the previous 12 months.”

Jetstar offers three return service a week between Auckland and Adelaide with flights departing Auckland early afternoon and returning from Adelaide at night. The flights are operated by an Airbus A320 in a single class.

To celebrate the first flight fares are on sale from $169* one-way until Friday 20th December, for selected travel periods in 2014. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a relaxing escape. Visit jetstar.com for further details and to book.

Qantas Airways has also launched its twice weekly A330 service for the holiday season operating between Auckland and Perth until 1 February 2014.

* Checked baggage not included. You can choose from 15kg to 40kg checked baggage for an additional $16.50-$45.00 per passenger per fare. Sale fares not available on all flights or days and conditions apply. Prices are based on payment by direct deposit/POLi, voucher or Jetstar MasterCard/Jetstar Platinum MasterCard for bookings through jetstar.com. For all other bookings, a Booking and Service Fee of $8.50 per passenger per fare applies.