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Jetstar’s first services from Perth to Christchurch have taken off, forging a new seasonal link between Western Australia and the South Island.
Flight JQ185 took off from Perth for Christchurch at 8:30am on Tuesday, operated by the A321neo LR VH-OLQ. Jetstar will fly three times per week on the route until April 2027, adding more than 37,000 seats and competing with an upcoming Air New Zealand service.
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“We’re giving Western Australians a new direct link to New Zealand’s South Island, with Christchurch now just one flight away from Perth,” said Jetstar executive manager for commercial planning Scott Zeglin.
“This route is another important milestone for Jetstar in Western Australia, creating more opportunities for travel between Perth and New Zealand while supporting future growth from our new Perth cabin crew base.
“We thank Tourism Western Australia, Perth Airport and Christchurch Airport for their support in making this new route possible.”
According to Perth Airport chief commercial and aviation officer Kate Holsgrove, the new service will “strengthen Perth’s international network and its role as Australia’s Western Hub”.
“This new non-stop service gives Western Australians direct access to Christchurch and the South Island, while opening another convenient gateway to our state for New Zealand travellers,” she said.
“The additional capacity will support Western Australia’s tourism and hospitality sectors, bringing more visitors into the state and making it easier for them to experience everything WA has to offer.
“Jetstar’s investment in this route is another vote of confidence in Perth and builds on the airline’s growing network from our airport.”
The launch of Perth-Christchurch comes as ANA brings back its daily flights from Perth to Tokyo over the end-of-year peak.
In a statement welcoming the services, WA Premier Roger Cook said his government is “committed to growing WA’s aviation capacity to support economic diversification, drive out-of-State visitation, and create local jobs for Western Australians”.
“Aviation is a key priority for my government and it’s fantastic to welcome both the return of ANA’s daily Tokyo to Perth flights and two new direct services from Christchurch with Jetstar and Air New Zealand, which together will deliver more than 53,600 inbound seats to Western Australia,” he said.
“These expanded air links reflect growing international demand for Western Australia and our commitment to boosting visitation, supporting local businesses and creating jobs for Western Australians.
“Stronger connections with key markets such as Japan and New Zealand make it easier for more visitors to experience everything our State has to offer while delivering long-term benefits for our tourism, trade and investment sectors.
“As Australia’s Western Gateway, we will continue to pursue opportunities that strengthen our aviation network and support Western Australia’s economic growth and diversification.”
Jetstar also resumed services from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Christchurch this week.
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