Emirates connects Christchurch, Singapore; Jetstar launches Auckland-Brisbane service

Emirates recently took another leap in the increase of its Australian capacity with the reintroduction of services from Melbourne to Singapore and Sydney to Christchurch, expanding on the airline’s travel destinations for Australians. In Melbourne, the EK404/405 service will provide Australians connecting to Singapore with a better experience. Customers not only have a new connection to the popular financial and tourism hub, but also have the option to fly onwards to Dubai. The third daily flight will operate on a Boeing 777-300ER. The newly restored third Dubai-Melbourne flight will serve strong demand between both cities, as well as offering customers Emirates’ signature product and service experience. From Sydney, the existing EK412/413 service between Dubai and Sydney, will now expand to offer Australians onwards travel to Christchurch and the only A380 Trans-Tasman experience between Australia and New Zealand. Barry Brown, Divisional Vice President Australasia at Emirates, says “We take tremendous pride in offering Australians better travel options, so are pleased that today we are returning to two new in-demand destinations. Our Melbourne-Singapore-Dubai service will offer travellers a strong connection opportunity between two global travel hubs, providing access to substantial leisure and business activities, plus fantastic onwards links to and through Dubai. We also welcome back our Sydney-Christchurch service, a favourite for travellers between New Zealand and Australia. As the only A380 experience between the sister countries across the Trans-Tasman, passengers will be able to take advantage of Emirates’ signature experience, including a superior First and Business Class offering, plus our highly popular Premium Economy cabin, one of the best in the air.” Jetstar launches new Auckland-Brisbane service Jetstar has launched its newest Trans-Tasman route with JQ150 taking off from Auckland to Brisbane on 27 March. The four return services per week will carry almost 40,000 visitors a year to Brisbane, offering Kiwis the opportunity to explore Queensland via its vibrant capital city as well as providing direct access to 12 domestic destinations. Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, said the new route was a fantastic addition to Jetstar’s expanding network of international destinations. “We know our customers are always on the lookout for more low fare travel options and exciting destinations. Since we announced the launch of the service, we’ve seen really strong bookings from holiday makers as well as expats keen to visit family and friends which is great news for local tourism operators and hospitality businesses. This new service also offers seamless connections to destinations on Jetstar’s extensive domestic networks in Australia and New Zealand, providing even more holiday options. I thank the Queensland Government, Brisbane Airport and Auckland Airport for their support of this new route.” Queensland Tourism Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe said: “We’re backing Jetstar’s new four days per week direct flights into Brisbane from Auckland for the service’s strong potential for growth. This is the 17th service secured by Queensland’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment war chest for the State’s international visitor recovery. We know there’s pent-up demand among Kiwis to reunite with Queensland-based family and friends and come in from the cold for the southern hemisphere’s best winter lifestyle. Jetstar’s Auckland services are terrific addition to Brisbane’s international arrivals board, supporting 245 good Queensland jobs and $25.47 million for the city’s visitor economy.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]