A new Jetstar Auckland to Cairns service began yesterday with Jetstar offering three flights per week, operating each Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Cairns Airport Pty Ltd (CAPL) General Manager, Aviation Business Development, Rob Evans, welcomed the new Jetstar service, which will provide additional capacity of almost 28,000 inbound seats per year and the same number of outbound seats on this popular route.

“This demonstrates Jetstar’s continued confidence in our region,” Mr Evans said. “It is yet another example of the positive activity generated by the air services agreement between CAPL and Jetstar.

“The inbound flights will provide a valuable boost to our links with New Zealand and many countries beyond," Mr Evans said.

“New Zealand is also a popular destination for many of the local population who will benefit from the increased flight choices now available to them as Jetstar joins Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue on the Cairns-Auckland route.”

CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Rob Giason, said that the region is already a prime destination for New Zealanders and the increase in services will only add to the appeal.

“During 2010 Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region outperformed Queensland and Australia with growth from the New Zealand market. Holiday visitor numbers increased 4% and there was an amazing 27% increase in holiday visitor nights from the New Zealand market.

“The local tourism industry will be marketing to continue the growth trend to our destination from New Zealand.”