Earthquake in Christchurch and Jetstar services

Earthquake in Christchurch and Jetstar services

MELBOURNE, Feb. 22 / Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --

UPDATE #3 – 2300 NZ and 2100 AEDT

Jetstar wishes to provide a further update on the status of our New Zealand operations as a result of today’s earthquake and ongoing closure of Christchurch International Airport.

Jetstar is anticipating to progressively resume its full New Zealand schedule tomorrow (Wednesday 23 February), initially domestic services with an anticipated phased reintroduction of flights to/from Christchurch Airport.

Scheduled domestic New Zealand and trans-Tasman international services from/to Christchurch have now been cancelled for tomorrow morning (Wednesday 23 February).

However in the likelihood of a re-opening of Christchurch Airport tomorrow morning (23 February), Jetstar plans to begin recommencing flights for Christchurch, initially domestic services, with first flights departing for Christchurch from midday.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO David Hall said Jetstar, which has a large operation and crew base in Christchurch, had mobilized to best support both its affected customers and its people, with plans to reintroduce its full flight schedule for Christchurch as quickly as safely possible.

Mr Hall said Jetstar had already arranged four additional ad-hoc services to assist passenger recovery to/from Christchurch for Wednesday 23 February, and further additional capacity beyond scheduled flights would be confirmed.

"We are focused on getting people back home and with family and friends and to play our part in rebuilding confidence and vital access for convenient air travel to and from Christchurch," Mr Hall said.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Christchurch at this time."

Continuation of flexible fare arrangements for Jetstar Christchurch services:

For affected customers and those undertaking near travel from/to Christchurch until and including Friday 25 February 2011, Jetstar will offer full flexibility in travel including refunds, re-routing or changes to travel dates/times for no fee. Travel must be taken prior to 11 April 2011.

Jetstar Telephone Reservations can be contacted on 0800 800 995 (within New Zealand) and 131 538 (within Australia). Jetstar.com will be regularly updated with the latest information.

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