Jetstar flights from Nelson to Auckland have been a huge success and the low-cost airline is hoping for more of the same from its Nelson to Wellington service that flew for the first time today.
Overall passenger numbers through Nelson Airport rose 18 per cent in December compared with the same month the previous year, with traffic on the Nelson-Auckland route jumping 33 per cent.
David Hall, Jetstar CEO Australia and New Zealand, says passenger loads on the new regional services were above 90 per cent in December and January.
“This year we’ll have over 600,000 seats on sale across our New Zealand regional network providing more opportunities for more Kiwis to fly more often for less.
“Since we started selling our regional flights in August last year tens of thousands of New Zealand travellers have booked tickets for under $50, backing up our commitment to bring low fares choice to the market.
Mr Hall said the increased passenger numbers at Nelson Airport was a great example of how Jetstar’s low fares stimulate markets.
“Many passengers on our new regional services have never flown before or haven’t travelled by air for many years. That’s the kind of growth a low fares airline brings to new routes – new customers and more frequent fliers.”
The inaugural Nelson-Wellington service departed at 10.05am, arriving in Wellington at 10.40am. Return services are offered three times a day on the Nelson-Wellington route.
Nelson Airport CEO Rob Evans says it’s “fantastic” for Nelsonians that Jetstar is extending its service with the Nelson – Wellington route. “Wellington is one of the key routes for Nelsonians doing business. There are many business commuters who fly there every week already, and we anticipate people will look for additional business opportunities in the capital now that there is more capacity available on this route. Wellington is also the closest city destination to fly to from Nelson, so having more flights is great for everyone wanting a trip away to ‘the coolest little capital in the world.’”
