Jetstar set to fly direct to South Korea

Jetstar announces Australia's first low fares service directly linking Australia and South Korea

· Direct flights from Gold Coast to Seoul will operate three times per week bringing more than 50,000 visitors annually and injecting more than $170 million to the local Gold Coast economy.

· South Korea is an under-served market from Australia with strong inbound and outbound demand.

Tourism is set to soar between Australia and South Korea, with Jetstar announcing Australia's first and only low fares direct service linking the two countries.

Taking off in December 2019, Jetstar, in a codeshare partnership with Jeju Air^, will become the only low-cost carrier to fly direct to Seoul from Australia, with flights on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from the Gold Coast three times per week from 8 December 2019^.

To celebrate the launch, Jetstar is offering customers fares from $179* one way in a 12-hour sale starting today.

Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans said South Korea had the potential to quickly become one of the most popular Asian destinations for Australian travelers.

"By introducing low fares to Seoul, we expect that South Korea will be a country that jumps to the top of many Australian traveller's bucket lists," Mr Evans said.

"Seoul and its surrounding regions offer visitors the opportunity to explore South Korea's rich cultural history, vibrant nightlife and food scene.

"We know from experience that low cost flights have a strong influence on setting tourism trends, which we've seen in markets like Japan where the number of Australian visitors has doubled since we first launched flights in 2007."

Mr Evans said it's expected that demand for inbound flights to Australia from South Korea will also be strong.

"Research shows that South Korean travellers consistently rank Australia as the top destination they want to visit, but they were unlikely to travel without low-cost direct flights.

"South Koreans already travel more frequently than any other nationality in the Asia Pacific, so there's no doubt they will take advantage of these new direct flights to Australia.

"The Gold Coast offers the perfect gateway for tourists visiting Australia with its famous beaches and attractions, and direct Jetstar flights connecting to seven other destinations across the country."

Flights from the Gold Coast to Seoul will commence on 8 December 2019 subject to regulatory approval.

Sale information

^Subject to Government and Regulatory approvals.

*Jetstar is offering sale fares from Gold Coast to Seoul from $179* for select travel dates. Sale starts at midday AEST 3 May 2019 and ends 11:59pm AEDT, 3 May 2019. *Fares are one-way, checked baggage not included. Fares and full conditions available on Jetstar.com ^Flights are subject to government and regulatory approval.

About Jeju:

As a pioneer in the LCC in Korea, Jeju Air is the largest Korean LCC in terms of passenger numbers, fleet, revenue and net profits. Over the last 13 years, Jeju Air has led Korea's airline trend, resulting in easier and more affordable air travel for everyone. Jeju Air carries over 10 million passengers a year to over 70 routes throughout Asia-Pacific region.