Qantas’ budget offshoot Jetstar plans to expand its domestic regional network in New Zealand.
During a media announcement attended by NZ Premier John Key and Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, Jetstar NZ will begin new regional flights in December.
It did not disclose which destinations, but expects to have four new routes operational by the New Year.
The carrier said it is considering Hamilton, Rotorua, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Nelson and Invercargill as possibilities.
Jetstar first starting flying to new Zealand a decade ago and then started domestic routes in 2009.
Jetstar has a 17% share of domestic traffic and hopes to eat into Air New Zealand’s market dominance in the regions.
Air NZ has been cutting back on regional services and recently suffered a consumer backlash after ending regular flights to some of its smallest destinations including Kaitaia, Whakatane, and Westport.
