Hawke's Bay Prepares for Another Jetstar's Visit

29th Jul 2015

Australian carrier Jetstar revealed today its executives will make another visit to Hawke's Bay as the design stage for the region's $6-8 million worth airport terminal expansion starts.

One of 7 Potential New Regional Destinations for Jetstar

Hawke's Bay is one of seven destinations Jetstar is considering as a part of its regional expansion. The other destinations include Hamilton, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Nelson, Invercargill and New Plymouth.

The airline will announce four new regional destinations in September and immediately put fares on sale. The first flights to the chosen destinations will take off later this year in December.

Chief executive of Hawke's Bay airport company, Nick Story said the following about Jetstar's visit:

"We have committed to consult with Jetstar to understand their requirements in the new terminal and to include their requirements in our plans, should they decide to establish services in Hawke's Bay."

Hawke's Bay Airport Terminal Expansion will Include Space for Another Carrier, whether it's Jetstar or Some Other Company

Story also said that, whatever Jetstar's decision, the airport terminal expansion will include space for another carrier.

"Our annual passenger numbers have grown by 37.5% over the last decade reaching 476,000 in the year to 30th June, 2015. In the next five years they are projected to grow by a further 15%. The cost of the $6-8 million project had not changed as a result of Jetstar's announcement."

Of course, the airport's shareholders will have to first give a green light to the supporting business case for the said amount before any work can begin, Story explained. The shareholders include: Crown (50%), Napier city council (26%) and Hastings district council (24%).

In any case, whatever Jetstar decides, the hope is that the airport development will be finished in time for the Te Matatini national kapa haka championship in February 2017.

Story said:

"That remains our aspirational target given the significant number of visitors expected in Hawke's Bay at that time."

Hawke's Bay Looking Forward to Continuing the Conversation with Jetstar, Says Story

According to Story, on their first visit, Jetstar's people were "interested to hear" what the airport terminal's expansion would involve. However, despite the Australian airline announcing on social media its plans for a return visit, Story said he does not know its exact date.

He said:

"We are all excited to read via the Jetstar Facebook page, that {they] are coming back to the Bay for a second visit. We look forward to welcoming them back and to continue the conversation with them as to why they should choose Hawke's Bay."