Jetstar has kicked off its first ever flight between Sydney and Hamilton.
It marks a week of new trans-Tasman route launches for the Qantas budget airline subsidiary.
JQ165 marked the first scheduled international flight into Hamilton, NZ in more than 13 years.
Hamilton flights operate four times weekly, and will add nearly 75,000 low fare seats each year across the Tasman.
Jetstar’s new trans-Tasman route launches continue throughout June, with Hamilton to Gold Coast and Dunedin to Gold Coast flights next week.
Earlier in April, Jetstar also debuted Christchurch – Cairns flights.
Flights between Sydney and Hamilton will be operated using a mix of Airbus A320ceo and A320neo aircraft.
The A320neo is the newest in Jetstar’s fleet.
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said: “This year, we’re celebrating 20 years of international flying from New Zealand and 16 years of domestic operations.
“We’re excited to bring international travel back to Hamilton with new direct flights from Sydney and the Gold Coast, offering more low-cost options for Kiwis and Aussies.”
Hamilton Airport Chief Executive Mark Morgan hailed the route launch.
“This is hugely exciting for Hamilton, for the wider region and beyond. For Australians, there is a new international gateway directly into heartland New Zealand.”
