Bangkok--13 Aug--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
First LCC to operate direct flights to Palembang, Pekanbaru and Da NangNew routes signify measured growth of Jetstar Asia's services to Southeast AsiaNew hub for customers to connect to Jetstar Pacific's growing domestic network in VietnamJetstar Asia today announced it would bring its low fares services to more markets in Southeast Asia with direct flights to three new destinations in Indonesia and Vietnam.
From late October, Jetstar Asia will launch direct flights from Singapore to Palembang and Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia and Da Nang in Vietnam to meet increased demand for low fares travel to these destinations.
The two new routes from Singapore to Palembang and Pekanbaru will offer customers the choice of three direct services per week to each of the second and third largest cities in Sumatra from 29 October and 5 November respectively.
The Minister of Tourism of Indonesia, Mr Arief Yahya was delighted with the launch of the new thrice-weekly services to Sumatra and a chance for local tourism to showcase wonderful Indonesia.
"We are delighted to welcome the new routes between the two countries. Having more affordable flights from Singapore to Palembang and Pekanbaru will also mean greater convenience for travellers to explore the beauty and hospitality of the people of Sumatra," said Mr Yahya.
Da Nang, a popular tourist destination famous for its beaches and historical sites, will be Jetstar Asia's second gateway into Vietnam after Ho Chi-Minh City, with three direct weekly services launching from 27 November.
Director of Central Coast Vietnam Destination Marketing Organization, Anthony Gill is excited with the frequency and international passengers Jetstar Asia will carry to central coast Vietnam.
"In the last three years, we have seen a boom in direct connectivity to central coast Vietnam and international passenger traffic has increased by up to 25% year on year.
"The lifting of the Vietnam's visa requirement for major European countries along with Jetstar's network of airlines and partnerships will stimulate growth and bring more tourists from beyond Singapore to Da Nang," said Mr Gill.
Jetstar Asia CEO Bara Pasupathi said that the launch of the new routes is great news for travellers as a result strategic planning to support the growth of Jetstar Asia in these developing LCC markets.
"Indonesia and Vietnam are two of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia and with the opening of their domestic aviation markets we've seen a growth in demand for new low fare travel opportunities," said Mr Pasupathi.
"The new routes offer Singapore travellers direct access to popular business and leisure destinations, currently only provided by full service carriers, with great opportunities to connect to the Jetstar Group's broader network across Southeast Asia," added Mr Pasupathi.
The new routes have been made possible through a combination of increased aircraft utilisation and small changes to the frequencies of Jetstar Asia's services from Singapore to Hong Kong, Surabaya and Hangzhou with a total of five return services per week to move to support to the new routes to Palembang, Pekanbaru and Da Nang.
The new services will be operated by Jetstar Asia's 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. Fares will be available for purchase from 4 August 2015. To book flights, visitJetstar.com.
Jetstar Asia currently flies to four ports in Indonesia including Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya and Bali and Ho Chi-Minh City in Vietnam.
Jetstar Pacific currently operates 450 weekly domestic services to 15 cities in Vietnam and recently announced international services to Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore.