International air travel returns to Hamilton
The first international flight into Hamilton in over 13 years landed this morning.
Jetstar's JQ165 landed at Hamilton Airport just after 11am today after departing from Sydney earlier in the morning.
It comes as the airline launches four new services, connecting cities in Australia and New Zealand.
The Sydney-Hamilton flights would operate using a mix of Airbus A320ceo and A320neo aircraft.
Hopes a Jetstar deal for the Waikato centre will bring trans-Tasman fare prices down. (Source: 1News)
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'We're excited to bring international travel back to Hamilton with new direct flights from Sydney and the Gold Coast, offering more low-cost options and exciting new destinations for Kiwis and Aussies," Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully said.
'We know Kiwi travellers love our low fares and see huge potential for even more growth in the future.
Hamilton Airport chief executive Mark Morgan described it as a "momentous day" for the team who worked to ensure the airport was international flight-ready.
He also said it was "hugely exciting" for Hamilton, the wider region, and Australian tourists.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a push to lift our superannuation age, rising Middle East tensions, and Auckland's amateur footballers face off against global giants. (Source: 1News)
"There is a new international gateway directly into heartland New Zealand. And here at home, it means Kiwis have another way to cross the Tasman that's super-easy and affordable."
The new Hamilton-Sydney service consisted of four weekly flights, adding roughly 75,000 seats annually for travellers across the Tasman.
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The new trans-Tasman route launches would continue this week, with the Hamilton to Gold Coast service launching on Wednesday, and direct Dunedin to Gold Coast flights next week.
In April, Jetstar started flights between Christchurch and Cairns.
Marking the occasion, Jetstar announced new sale fares today from $150 between Hamilton and Sydney.
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