CANBERRA: Australian low-cost carrier (LCC) Jetstar has launched international service from Australia’s East Coast Townsville International Airport to Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. The Airbus A320 3X-weekly service is the airport’s first international schedule.
The new route comes following a significant Australian government drive to upgrade and expand traffic at Australian East Coast regional destinations that see significant tourist visitors, including Townsville and Sunshine Coast.
Jetstar Australia-New Zealand CEO David Hall said the new service “would not have been viable” without the strong commitment of the government to cost-effective international customs and passenger handling infrastructure at the airport.
“It’s always a big undertaking to launch a new international route and [government] support has been vital in making this a reality,” Hall said. The Sunshine Coast Airport is scheduled for a runway upgrade, expanding it to 8,000 ft. to enable it to handle widebody aircraft from tourist originating countries across Asia.
