Jetstar will launch direct flights between Christchurch and Perth starting October 27th, adding over 30,000 seats to the route next summer, the airline announced today.
The new service will operate three times weekly, with flights from Christchurch departing at 8:15 p.m. Local time and arriving in Perth at 10:30 p.m. Western Australia time. Return flights will depart Perth at 7:45 a.m. And arrive in Christchurch at 6:55 p.m. New Zealand time. Jetstar noted that flights from Perth are expected to be faster due to prevailing westerly winds.
The route will be serviced by Jetstar’s Perth-based fleet of Airbus A321LR (long-range) aircraft, which began being delivered in 2022. The airline highlighted the aircraft’s features, including larger overhead storage compartments, seat-back device holders, and in-seat charging ports, as enhancing the low-fares travel experience.
Christchurch Airport officials stated the new service would reinforce the South Island airport’s position as a competitive gateway, particularly given the full recovery of Australian travel to pre-COVID levels. Australia represents the airport’s largest and most resilient international market.
The new route similarly offers connecting opportunities for passengers travelling onward from Perth, with Jetstar’s parent company, Qantas, providing links to destinations including Bali, Delhi, Johannesburg, London, Paris, and Rome.
Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully stated the airline had observed strong demand for affordable travel options between New Zealand and Australia. “And we’re excited to offer customers even more choice as we continue to expand our transtasman network,” she added.
The launch of the Christchurch-Perth route comes as Jetstar expands its presence in New Zealand, following a significant transtasman route expansion in September, which included a seasonal service between Brisbane and Queenstown and increased flights between Auckland and Brisbane. This expansion places additional competitive pressure on Air New Zealand.
Air New Zealand currently flies from Christchurch to Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney year-round, with seasonal services to the Gold Coast and Adelaide, but does not offer a direct route to Perth. Qantas launched direct Auckland-Perth services in December, supported by Australian Government funding, competing with an existing Air New Zealand route.
To mark the launch, Jetstar is holding a 24-hour sale starting at noon today, with one-way fares from Christchurch to Perth beginning at $299. All seats on the service will be in economy class.
Perth’s time zone is five hours behind New Zealand during the summer months. A 2021 Census indicated approximately 60,000 Perth residents were born in New Zealand, representing a significant Kiwi community in the city.