iscover
Jetstar is set to launch its longest trans-Tasman service with new seasonal flights from Perth to Christchurch.
Launching on 27 October and running until March 2027, the route will operate three times per week using A321neo LRs, adding more than 30,000 seats over the summer peak. The news comes after Jetstar last year carried more than 700,000 customers across the Tasman, up 9 per cent on 2024.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
“We’re thrilled to be launching our new nonstop service between Christchurch and Perth, giving New Zealanders an affordable and convenient way to connect with Western Australia’s incredible beaches, vibrant food scene and outdoor adventures,” said Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully.
While Jetstar does not currently fly from WA to New Zealand, Perth–Auckland is served by both Qantas and Air New Zealand. According to Christchurch Airport CEO Justin Watson, the new route represents “building demand and a strong airline partnership”.
“We are stoked to add another destination to our Australian network. It gives South Islanders even more choice and strengthens our ties with our most important market,” he said.
“Growing these connections supports tourism, business and trade, and ensures Christchurch remains a strong, competitive gateway for the South Island.”
The low-cost carrier launched four new trans-Tasman routes in 2025, including Sydney–Hamilton, Gold Coast–Hamilton, Cairns–Christchurch, and Gold Coast–Dunedin, and plans to begin a seasonal Brisbane–Queenstown service in June.
“Australia continues to be New Zealand’s largest international visitor market and affordability is a key driver of growth, with nearly 400,000 Jetstar customers travelling on trans-Tasman flights for under $200 in 2025,” the airline said last month.
“The expansion of Jetstar’s trans-Tasman services added more than 145,000 new low-fare seats last year and opened up new regions of New Zealand to Australian travellers.”
According to Tully, Jetstar is seeking to bolster New Zealand tourism.
“Australia is New Zealand’s most important international visitor market and we’re focused on getting even more Aussies to visit Aotearoa,” she said.
“By expanding our trans-Tasman network and offering consistently low fares, we’re making it easier for travellers to visit not just the major centres, but regional destinations right across New Zealand.
“This means more visitors, more choice and real benefits for local communities, particularly their hospitality and tourism operators.”
Australian travel makes up around 40 per cent of New Zealand’s international visitor capacity.
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Australian Aviation a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Australian Aviation as a preferred news source.
[email protected]
says:East West flight time approx. 7.5Hrs in low-cost high density ECY with, quote, average 29ins seat pitch, not for me. Seriously, health authorities should investigate the adverse effects on passengers’ wellbeing whilst enduring such cramped/limited mobility and comfort during these flights, very concerning!!