Jetstar becomes first LCC to fly Brisbane-Tokyo

JETSTAR BOEING 787-8 VH-VKL (MSN 36238)

Last week, Jetstar became the first low-cost carrier to launch a service between Brisbane (BNE/YBBN) and Tokyo (NRT/RJAA), as their overall expansion continues.

Early September Jetstar announced that the Gold Coast's last direct flight to Tokyo (Narita) would be on the 29th of October. The service would be departing out of Brisbane Airport after this date. The route had been in operation at the Gold Coast Airport since December 2008. The last service was operated by VH-VKL.

The Australian carrier will service this route five times per week using their Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This service between Brisbane and Tokyo is the first of three services to be launched from Brisbane, with services to Osaka and Seoul on the way.

Commenting on the route launch was Stephanie Tully, the Jetstar Group CEO:

“Experience tells us that our great value fares will stimulate travel demand into Southeast Queensland from Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul.

“This influx of tourists will boost the state’s economy while also giving Queenslanders the chance to take off more and explore these incredibly beautiful and exciting cities.”

Tully mentioned that the new flights from Brisbane to Tokyo, Osaka & Seoul will place an additional 480,000 seats on offer every year.

Adding to her words was Gert-Jan de Graff, the CEO of the airport:

“We know cost of living is a huge issue right now so the injection of thousands of low-cost seats into the market is very welcome at a time when every dollar counts.

“The new flights to Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul are part of a major partnership between Jetstar and Brisbane Airport.”

The scheduling is as follows for all three of the new routes, as per the airline’s website:

JQ9 Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun BNE - NRT 10:40 18:40
JQ10 Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun NRT - BNE 21:00 06:35 +1

JQ23 Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun BNE - KIX 11:45 19:45
JQ24 Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun KIX - BNE 21:45 07:25 +1

JQ53 Tue, Thu, Sat BNE - ICN 11:45 20:15
JQ54 Tue, Thu, Sat ICN - BNE 21:50 08:00
 

The Seoul & Osaka flights will launch on the 1st and 2nd of February 2024 respectively.