Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully made the announcement at Christchurch Airport this morning.

Jetstar will be bringing an eighth aircraft (an A320 jet) to New Zealand and adding more than 180,000 seats to and from Christchurch every year.

The new Christchurch to Cairns service will run three times a week beginning in April 2025.

Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson says the announcement equates to a 10% lift in the airline’s domestic capacity.

“Most of that will boost travel options in and out of Christchurch Airport. Jetstar already employs around 90 crew members here and this is another vote of confidence in our city. Christchurch is thriving, Jetstar’s bringing even more people to the party, and we can’t wait to host them.”

Justin Watson says this is a smart decision by the airline.

“The city’s major new assets, including our convention centre, Te Pae, are driving visitor growth. With others, like Te Kaha stadium and Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, coming onstream we’ll see numbers increase further. Jetstar is positioning itself to capitalise on that expansion.”

“This is also a win for local residents. More seats means better choice and a direct connection with Cairns opens up a seamless two-way link to the fantastic opportunities in the South Island and in tropical north Queensland.”

The city’s Mayor Phil Mauger is equally pleased at this morning’s news.

“I’ve talked to so many visitors and new Cantabrians lately who’ve fallen in love with our city. Jetstar’s announcement this morning is evidence of Christchurch’s popularity with both domestic and international visitors.”

Christchurch NZ’s Head of Tourism Kath Low says additional airline services are an important economic driver for the region.

“Christchurch Airport is an important engine room for the South Island economy and these new routes from Jetstar mean both increased capacity for the domestic market as well as more visitors from Australia. New Zealand and Australia are where the majority of visitors to Ōtautahi Christchurch come from so this support from Jetstar is another sign that our city is back as a destination in its own right.”