Jetstar starts Perth-Singapore flights

Low fare airline Jetstar has today started its new daily Perth to Singapore service, its third overseas destination from the Western Australian capital since its international services launch in October.

Below is the full announcement:

Australia's low fares airline Jetstar has today commenced its new daily Perth-Singapore service, Jetstar's third international destination from the Western Australian capital to be introduced following the commencement of flights to Bali (Denpasar) and Jakarta in October.

Today's flight brings Jetstar's international services from Perth to 14 per week, in addition to the existing double daily flights to Melbourne Airport. The airline's services will be further bolstered with the commencement of daily flights from Perth to Adelaide from 2 February 2009 and a three times weekly service to Cairns from 6 February 2009.

Passengers on the inaugural flight to Singapore snapped up fares from as low as $129 one way, with every day one way JetSaver Light fares Perth-Singapore now available from $199 one way at Jetstar.com.

The value based carrier's new daily direct Singapore service represents a 30 per cent jump in Qantas Group seats on this key route.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan said travellers from Perth now had convenient and affordable access to a range of exciting destinations throughout Jetstar's pan Asian network, offering one-stop connections from Singapore to other popular holiday and business cities in the region such as Kota Kinabalu, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Manila.

"Jetstar is focused on continuing to grow its short haul international flying into Asia from Australia, of which Perth is a vital port. Perth is an important component of our Australian network, encouraging easy and affordable business and leisure travel," Mr Buchanan said.

"We have already flagged our intention to create a hub to Asia from Perth, and this goal remains."

Mr Buchanan said strong forward bookings showed the Perth-Singapore route had great potential, maintaining its place as the third biggest international route in Australia in terms of traffic.

"Singapore is the biggest source of South East Asian traffic to Australia, with more than 263,000 visitors for the year ending 2007," Mr Buchanan said.

"We believe the new Perth services will be strongly supported in both directions, supporting both the business and tourism industries."

Perth Airport CEO Brad Geatches welcomed the additional international Jetstar service departing from Perth.

"In October, Jetstar introduced their first international services from Perth to Denpasar and Jakarta and this new route for Jetstar certainly provides more opportunities for Western Australians to travel to more places on low cost carriers," Mr Geatches said.

"We look forward to seeing further expansion with Jetstar within the Perth market."

Jetstar's new services from Perth will be operated with Jetstar's A320 fleet, offering 177 all-leather seats in a single class.

Jetstar's international inflight service to Singapore will include choice of portable video on demand units for hire offering latest movie releases, TV programs, music videos and audio tracks and a range of hot food, snacks and beverages including alcoholic drinks available for purchase.

Passengers can also choose an Extra Leg Room option upgrade when available when booking JetSaver Light and JetSaver fares for $60 AUD on international services, offering 20 per cent more seat pitch compared to a regular economy seat. Visit Jetstar.com for more details.