• Darwin’s role as gateway to Asia strengthened
• More capacity on popular Darwin-Singapore route
• New one-stop Tokyo service (via Manila)

Jetstar has announced additional flights between Northern Territory and Asia that are expected to stimulate stronger tourism and business links.

From 25 March 2012, Jetstar will introduce a four-times weekly Darwin-Manila-Tokyo* service. In addition, the airline’s popular Darwin-Singapore route will grow from 7 to 10 flights a week.

Jetstar Group CEO Bruce Buchanan said the new schedule pointed to sustained demand for low fares travel as well as the growing reach of Jetstar’s network between Asia and Australia.

“We know that the more sustainably low fares we put in the market, the more people are inclined to travel. When we combine low fares with a growing footprint across Asia, the potential for increased tourism and trade really takes off,” said Mr Buchanan.

“These extra services connect Darwin to our growing Singapore hub, which brings places like Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur much closer to Australia.

“The new link between Darwin and Tokyo will soon join to our Jetstar Japan network, putting low fare travel to Australia within reach for millions more Japanese,” he added.

Japan is the fourth largest international inbound tourism market for the Territory, with 28,000 visitors contributing around $27 million annually.

Jetstar Australia & NZ CEO David Hall said today’s announcement cemented Darwin as a critical part of the airline’s approach to competing with a growing number of overseas carriers.

“Darwin is perfectly positioned as a gateway between the rest of Australia and South East Asia, plus it’s a tourist hot-spot in its own right,” said Mr Hall.

“Our Darwin base is home to four aircraft and is a source of employment for more than 50 locally-based pilots and cabin crew, as well as scores of indirect support jobs on the ground.

“These new services will give Territorians more low fares to Asia, with up to 25 weekly flights to Singapore, Bali, Manila and Tokyo,” Mr Hall added.

Jetstar has today launched a sale with one-way Starter fares from $199*. Every day one-way Starter fares from Darwin to Tokyo will start from $339 at Jetstar.com.

To help facilitate the new services, Jetstar will cease its four-times weekly Darwin-Ho Chi Minh City service from 25 March 2012. Jetstar Asia recently increased its Singapore-Ho Chi Minh service to 27 times a week and added a new four-times weekly service between Singapore and Hanoi.

* Flights subject to regulatory approval and will be operated by Jetstar Airways

Summary of schedules changes – from 25 March 2012

• Darwin-Manila-Tokyo service 4 times weekly*
• Darwin-Singapore service increased to 10 times weekly from (was 7 per week)
• Darwin-Ho Chi Minh City service cancelled (was 4 per week)

Darwin-Manila-Tokyo sale information

Jetstar is offering one-way Economy Starter sale fares for AUD$199. The sale commences at 09:00 (AEDT) on 10 January 2012 and runs until 12:00 (AEDT) on 11 January 2012 unless seats sell out prior. This sale is valid for travel from 26 March 2012 until 25 April 2012 (excluding 4 – 11 April 2012) and 9 May – 27 June 2012. Not available on all flights and days. Conditions apply. To book and for more details visit Jetstar.com.

Jetstar schedule Darwin-Manila-Tokyo* from 25 March 2012

• Darwin – Manila - JQ78 03.15 – 05.55 Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat
• Manila – Tokyo - JQ78 06.55 – 12.15 Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat
• Tokyo – Manila - JQ79 14.25 – 18.25 Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat
• Manila – Darwin - JQ79 19.15 – 01.20 Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat

* Subject to regulatory approval

Note: Flights from Darwin to Bali are operated by Jetstar Airways (JQ). Flights from Singapore to Hong Kong, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are operated by Jetstar Asia (3K). Japan domestic flights will be operated by Jetstar Japan and are subject to regulatory approval.