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Jetstar says it is poised to return to pre-pandemic capacity in New Zealand from mid-2024 as it adds almost 150,000 seats to trans-Tasman and NZ domestic routes.
The carrier will begin ramping up its NZ services on 31 March, increasing frequency on popular domestic and international routes. It expects to reach 100 per cent of pre-pandemic domestic capacity by the middle of next year, with trans-Tasman routes almost 40 per cent higher than 2019 levels.
From Auckland, Jetstar will operate up to 39 return services per week to Christchurch, 30 to Wellington, 21 to Queenstown, and 7 to Dunedin, as well as up to 14 return services per week between Wellington and Christchurch.
Additionally, Auckland will see up to 13 return services per week to each of Melbourne and the Gold Coast, as well as up to 11 services to Brisbane and 9 to Sydney, alongside up to 5 return services per week between Christchurch and Melbourne.
“This significant capacity boost comes off the back of increased demand across our domestic and international networks this year, as Kiwis seek out more choice and affordable travel options,” said Jetstar’s head of New Zealand, Shelley Musk.
“As we head in 2024, we’re committed to continuing to improve our operations and to be the low fares leader that New Zealanders can rely on.”
Jetstar is expecting more than 180,000 New Zealand passengers over the holiday period, its biggest year-end peak since 2019.
According to Jetstar, its on-time domestic performance in NZ was 81.9 per cent in November with a 1.1 per cent cancellation rate, while trans-Tasman routes saw 77.8 per cent on-time performance with a 2.7 per cent cancellation rate.
“As part of efforts to improve reliability, Jetstar has also recruited more than 120 frontline team members over the past 12 months throughout New Zealand, rostered more staff on standby and ensured spare aircraft will be available in the event of unplanned disruptions over the Christmas peak,” the airline said.
