The new service is forecast to bring in more than 190,000 additional inbound seats to Queensland over three years, worth AUS$116 million in overnight visitor expenditure and up to 630 jobs, according to the Queensland Department of Tourism and Sport.
The route is supported by the AUS$200-million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, which has now secured 32 new or returned aviation routes for Queensland since February 2022, reports the Bangkok Post.
Queensland and Thailand have not had a direct air connection since Thai Airways International ceased its Brisbane flights on Mar 29, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Jetstar flights will be the only non-stop service between Bangkok and Brisbane. The flying time of just over eight hours is approximately half the current travel time via indirect routes.
Each flight, using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, will also carry up to 15 tonnes of freight capacity for Queensland exporters including meat, fish, fruit and vegetable growers.
Compared to pre-COVID figures, Queensland has recently seen record numbers of visitors from Thailand, making the new route from Bangkok all the more important, said Michael Healy, Queensland’s minister for tourism and sport.
“It’s terrific to see Jetstar take flight between Bangkok and Brisbane for the first time,” he said.
“Being a low-cost carrier, Jetstar will help make travel to Brisbane more affordable for international students and passengers travelling from across Asia, the UK and Europe, using Bangkok as a hub.”
The service will depart Brisbane at 2:20pm on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from Dec 13 and return at 8.25am on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Jetstar currently already provides direct flights from Melbourne and Perth to Phuket.
TAKING OFF TO KRABI
Friday (June 7) marked the start of Jetstar Asia’s direct service from Singapore to Krabi, as flight 3K573 departed from Changi Airport Terminal 4, establishing a new direct route to one of Thailand’s most sought-after travel destinations.
The Singapore low-cost carrier will fly six return flights each week, operated by their expanding fleet of Airbus A320s, offering over 60,000 low fares between Singapore and the popular holiday destination each year.
The split schedule means three weekly services take off from Singapore in the morning, landing in Krabi less than two hours later, giving travellers a full day to enjoy the Andaman hotspot.
For those travelling from Europe and Australia, there are three evening flights each week, providing connectivity for those wanting to visit Krabi via Singapore, the carrier said in its announcement.
Jetstar Asia CEO, John Simeone, said this was the first of three exciting routes Jetstar Asia was launching in June as they continue to expand their network.
“Thailand remains incredibly popular with our customers so it’s great to add beautiful Krabi to our network alongside Bangkok and Phuket,” Mr Simeone said.
“Our fantastic low fares make it easier than ever for travellers to take that dream holiday or quick weekend away and enjoy all Krabi has to offer.
“And with the choice of morning or evening services, it’s not just Singaporeans who are excited about this new Jetstar route as those travelling from Australia can enjoy seamless connectivity through Singapore on our Jetstar Airways’ (JQ) services from Melbourne and Perth.”
Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand Singapore office, Kulpramote Wannalert, remarked that Krabi’s natural beauty and vibrant tourism offerings were now more accessible than ever.
“Jetstar Asia’s new direct service from Singapore to Krabi marks a significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and accessibility, promising an unforgettable experience for travellers from Singapore and beyond,” Ms Wannalert said.