ET&T STAFF - Kolkata

Jetstar Asia’s inaugural flight took off from Kolkata recently, marking a new chapter in Indian aviation as Singapore’s first value-for-money airline to establish links with India. The Airlines operating a Airbus A320 has flights thrice a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) between Singapore and Kolkata.

Speaking about the new venture, Ken Ryan, CEO of Jetstar Asia, said, “We are delighted to be the first value-for-money airline from Singapore to open this new route to Kolkata. Jetstar Asia is excited to be playing its part in developing tourism and business opportunities between the two countries. Our bold and distinctive brand is indicative of the fresh and vibrant approach toward low cost travel in the region.”

Due to this new development Singapore Tourism Board (STB) stands to gain in terms of tourism promotion and visits. “Kolkata is one of our key markets in India, and we believe that its current economic and middle-class expansions will provide further growth opportunities in leisure and business travel to Singapore. We look forward to working closely with Jetstar Asia in enhancing bilateral tourism flows between Singapore and Kolkata,” said Dayne Lim, regional director for South Asia, Middle East and Africa, STB.

Onboard Jetstar Asia’s maiden flight from Singapore to Kolkata was a group of 25 delegates travelling to the Indian metro for the inaugural India-Singapore SME Conference, which was organised jointly with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the GA Group. “Increasing numbers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are building relationships between Singapore and Kolkata and with the benefit of everyday low fares, we see that we can be a partner in establishing and building strategic relationships between the two cities. We are also excited to see the opening of this route as the demand for leisure travel into Kolkata has been growing in recent years, as travellers are always on the look-out for places to explore.

Jetstar Asia’s new route opens up the amazing sights of the Bengal state, including many religious heritage sites like Bodh-Gaya and the beautiful terrain in Darjeeling for trekking. Kolkata is also the base for reaching the north-eastern states of India, Sikkim and the mountain kingdoms of Bhutan and Nepal,” added Mr Ryan.

While Jetstar Asia seeks to keep its prices low, the airline promises to provide value-for-money onboard services. This includes the digiplayer service, an in-flight entertainment player, which combines music, movies and sitcoms, offered on flights to Kolkata, Hong Kong, Manila and Taipei at a nominal cost of S$12 per passenger. A wide range of hot food, snacks and beverages along with duty free items may also be purchased on board.

Jetstar Asia, is a Singapore-based partnership between Qantas (49 per cent), local businessmen Tony Chew (22 per cent) and FF Wong (10 per cent) and Temasek Holdings (19 per cent). It is regional extension of the Jetstar brand, which was launched by Qantas as a low cost airline in the Australian domestic market. Departure from Changi Airport will be at 16.30 hrs, arriving in Kolkata at 18.00 hrs. The return flight from Kolkata will be at 19.00 hrs arriving in Singapore at 01.35 hrs the following morning. Everyday low fares will start from S$218 with ticket sales available via the website at www.JetstarAsia.com.