Inside Jetstar's Planned Capacity Increases For 2024

Summary

Jetstar plans to rapidly increase domestic and international capacity in New Zealand from 2024, aiming to operate at pre-pandemic levels for the first time since December 2019.
The airline will add over 150,000 seats on regional and Australia-bound routes, with Auckland Airport being the main hub for increased services.
Jetstar is experiencing increased demand and growth in the region, with a focus on providing more choice and affordable travel options for New Zealanders.

With New Zealand’s post-pandemic aviation recovery well underway, Jetstar has unveiled plans to rapidly scale up domestic and international capacity across the country from 2024.

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Big in New Zealand

According to the low-cost carrier, demand for low-cost travel in New Zealand has skyrocketed in recent months, and as such, Jetstar is on track to operate at pre-pandemic levels within the country for the first time since December 2019. The enhanced schedule will see the airline add over 150,000 more seats on regional and Australia-bound routes from March 31, 2024, with international capacity exceeding its pre-pandemic numbers.

Jetstar’s capacity increase is set to be centered out of its hub at Auckland Airport (AKL). Services to destinations including Christchurch Airport (CHC), Wellington Airport (WLG), and Queenstown Airport (ZQN) will see up to five daily frequencies, while Dunedin Airport (DUD) will operate daily. On the trans-Tasman route, Auckland to Melbourne Airport (MEL), Gold Coast Airport (OOL), Brisbane Airport (BNE), and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) will see a sharp increase in weekly return services, operating at least once a day.

A Jetstar Airbus A321 flying in the sky.

Photo: Ryan Fletcher | Shutterstock

In a statement shared by Jetstar, Head of New Zealand Shelley Musk noted the carrier’s post-pandemic growth in the region and celebrated hitting such an important milestone in its recovery.

“This significant capacity boost comes off the back of increased demand across our domestic and international networks this year, as Kiwis seek out more choice and affordable travel options. As we head in 2024, we’re committed to continuing to improve our operations and to be the low fares leader that New Zealanders can rely on.”

Scaling up seasons

Alongside its planned 2024 growth, Jetstar is gearing up for its busiest holiday travel season since 2019. Almost 200,000 passengers are set to fly with the airline during the Christmas and New Year travel peak, a 5% year-on-year growth compared to 2022.

Jetstar’s regional subsidiaries outside New Zealand have also seen rapid expansion through Asia. Over the past few weeks, the airline has reopened services between Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN) and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka via Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MIA) for the first time in three years, and Singapore to Naha Airport (OKA) in Okinawa.

Photo: Airbus

Further Japan-bound connections are set to launch in 2024, with Sydney and Brisbane connecting to Osaka from April 1. The expansion is primarily facilitated by recent Airbus A321neo deliveries, allowing the airline to redeploy its widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet across its network and add a variety of new, exciting destinations, including Brisbane to Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul and Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT).

Other recent travel overhauls include revamping its 787 cabins to meet demand for business class travel. The multi-million-dollar cabin upgrade will see Jetstar double its premium cabin space, modernize current seating, and improve crew rest areas for long-haul operations. Jetstar is also set to add onboard WiFi for passengers, allowing for enhanced in-flight entertainment options.