Jetstar begins flights to Phuket

PHUKET: Singapore-based economy airline Jetstar Asia yesterday began its four-times-weekly service from Singapore to Phuket, with tickets selling for as little as S$30 (about 725 baht) until December 15.

Jetstar Asia flights leave Singapore every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:05 am, arriving in Phuket at 7:45 am. The return flight leaves Phuket at 8:45 am, arriving in Singapore at 11:25 am.

Ken Ryan, the airline’s CEO, explained, “Phuket is solidly back on the map. All indications point to an economy that has settled down and is ready to accept a new phase in its tradition as a great resort destination.

“We’re pleased to be able to support this growth with Jetstar Asia’s service fitting perfectly with the Phuket brand.

Eumporn Jiragalwisul, Director of the Singapore office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, “We are very glad that Jetstar Asia made the decision to fly to Phuket.

“With the additional flights, it will definitely help to bring in more visitors from Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region to Phuket and surrounding provinces, which will give the tourism industries there an added boost.”

Jetstar is jointly owned by Australian flag carrier Qantas (49%), Singaporean businessmen Tony Chew (22%) and FF Wong (10%), and the Singapore government’s Temasek Holdings (19%). It has a fleet of four new Airbus A320-200 aircraft, each capable of carrying 180 passengers.

Flights may be booked through the Jetstar website at www.JetstarAsia.com