Jetstar is set to reconnect Queensland and Thailand with direct services between Bangkok (BKK) and Brisbane (BNE). Jetstar will fly the route three times per week from 13 December using a 787 Dreamliner. It will be the only non-stop service with a flight duration of just over eight hours, approximately half the current travel time via indirect routes. The new service is forecast to bring in more than 190,000 additional inbound seats to Queensland over three-years, worth $116 million in Overnight Visitor Expenditure and up to 630 jobs.
“We are delighted to be reconnecting two long-time friends, Queensland and Thailand. This route has been the most frequently requested in comments on Brisbane Airport’s social media accounts over the past two years,” said Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaf. “A direct flight makes it easier for families and friends to connect and provides greater opportunities for Queensland exporters with up to 15 tonnes of freight capacity on every service. Queenslanders have embraced the great value Jetstar offers, propelling it from Brisbane Airport’s 7th biggest international carrier to number 2.”
The new route is part of a major expansion of Jetstar’s Brisbane operations following a landmark partnership with Brisbane Airport in 2023. The agreement has unlocked half a million new low fares seats a year with direct flights taking off from Brisbane to Tokyo (Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Seoul (Incheon) and Auckland. The new service will be the first time that Queensland has had a direct connection with Thailand since Thai Airways ceased flights on 29 March 2020 due to the pandemic. The route is supported by the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Queensland Government and the state’s international airports.
Minister for Tourism Michael Healy said, “It’s terrific to see Jetstar take flight between Bangkok and Brisbane for the first time. Compared to pre COVID figures, we have recently seen record numbers of visitors from Thailand to Queensland, so it was vital for us to open up a direct route to Bangkok. Being a low-cost carrier, Jetstar will help make travel to Brisbane more affordable for international students and passengers travelling from across Asia, the UK, and Europe, using Bangkok as a hub. Air freight from Brisbane to Thailand hit a record $46.5 million last year so the return flights will be terrific for our meat, fish, fruit and vegetable exporters. This is another win for the $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund which has now secured 32 international routes since February 2022.”
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Matt Driskill at matt.driskill@asianaviation.com
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Head of Sales Kay Rolland at kay.rolland@asianaviation.com
