Jetstar returning to pre-covid capacity in New Zealand
- December 8, 2023
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Jetstar will return to pre-covid capacity in 2024 adding nearly 150,000 more seats in 2024 to domestic and Trans-Tasman networks from mid 2024.
Jetstar will begin ramping up services to pre-covid levels from 31 March 2024, with its New Zealand domestic network scheduled to reach up to 100 per cent of pre-COVID levels from mid-year, and its Trans-Tasman network operating almost 40 per cent higher than in 2019. It will be the first time the low-cost carrier has operated at pre-COVID levels in New Zealand since December 2019.
Jetstar’s Head of New Zealand, Shelley Musk said, “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.
Christmas break
The capacity increases come as Jetstar gears up for its busiest Christmas and New Year peak in New Zealand since 2019*. More than 180 thousand people are expected to fly with the low-cost carrier – a five per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The single biggest day of travel will be Saturday 23 December. The airline’s most popular New Zealand domestic route over Christmas and New Year is Auckland to Christchurch and its most popular Trans-Tasman route is Auckland to Gold Coast.
Improved performance
The airline is heading into the busy holiday period in a strong position, achieving an on-time performance of 81.9 per cent in New Zealand in November – its best result so far this year. Last month its New Zealand domestic cancellation rate also dropped to 1.1 per cent – its lowest level in 2023. On time performance on the Trans-Tasman network reached 77.8 per cent in November, which was the strongest month since COVID, with a cancellation rate of 2.7 per cent. As part of efforts to improve reliability, Jetstar has also recruited more than 120 frontline team members over the past 12 months throughout New Zealand, rostered more staff on standby and ensured spare aircraft will be available in the event of unplanned disruptions over the Christmas peak.
