Jetstar touches down in Mackay
Article first published on Tuesday, 25 May 2004 @ 9:08:16 AM
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Mackay Port Authority Jetstar touches down in Mackay Article first published on Tuesday, 25 May 2004 @ 9:08:16 AM |
Grey skies failed to dampen the enthusiasm of passengers and airline staff when Jetstar’s first Brisbane-Mackay service landed at 7.35 this morning.
The Mackay service was included in Jetstar’s official launch with flights to 13 eastern seaboard destinations including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart.
Jetstar’s ‘inaugural flight’ (JQ371) departed from Newcastle, the airline’s engineering base, for Melbourne – the home of Jetstar.
Passengers on the first flight were greeted upon its arrival at Melbourne Airport by Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce, Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Dixon, Victorian Premier Steve Bracks and one of Australia’s most popular entertainers, Magda Szubanski.
Jetstar CEO, Alan Joyce, said Jetstar’s arrival would further stimulate domestic air travel within Australia through the accessibility of low fares to many leisure and commercial destinations.
“Jetstar is committed to offering every day affordable airfares to encourage Australians and overseas visitors to fly more often,” Mr Joyce said.
“Since the launch of Jetstar’s fares and route network in February, the airline has sold over 250,000 one way fares at less than $100.
“This demonstrates our ability not only to commit to headline prices, but to make these fares accessible to more customers on more flights. Jetstar’s aim is to also bring affordable air travel to all Australians, in particular the non capital city and regional markets we will service.
“Our business model is built on the sustainable and continued delivery of such every day low fares spread across all routes flown.”
Jetstar’s starting fares, which can be purchased directly at jetstar.com from $65 one way, apply to routes such as Sydney-Gold Coast, Melbourne-Hobart and Brisbane-Rockhampton. Other Jetstar online fares start from $75 one way for Sydney-Sunshine Coast, $85 one way for Brisbane-Mackay and $115 one way Melbourne-Gold Coast. An additional $2 per flight applies to fares paid by credit card and flights booked by telephone (13 15 38) are $10 extra.
Mr Joyce said the vast scope of Jetstar’s launch from 13 airports was a testimony to the airline’s 900 staff and associated suppliers who had demonstrated their energy and commitment to the airline.
Jetstar will operate 610 return flights during its first week, including 86 return services on the 25 May launch day alone. The airline fleet will initially comprise 14 Boeing 717 aircraft, seat configured for 125 passengers.
Mr Joyce said Jetstar’s move towards introducing the A320 into its fleet from July was progressing well.
“The first A320 aircraft will be delivered to Jetstar next month and will be integrated into our route network by late July”, he said.
Mr Joyce said the introduction of the A320, with all-leather slim line seating configured in single class for 177 passengers, would provide further enhancements to Jetstar’s in-flight service.
Jetstar’s Sydney operations will be based in the T2 terminal at Sydney Airport, and from dedicated gates in the Brisbane Airport domestic terminal. Hobart services will be sited at the International Terminal at Hobart Airport.