Finnair announced Monday that they are expanding their service to Japan with new daily flights to Tokyo-Haneda starting next summer. Australia’s Jetstar will offer first-ever service from the east coast to the Margaret River region.
In an October 7th, 2019 press release, Finnair announced that their existing daily service to Tokyo-Narita would be expanded in the summer of 2020 to include daily service to Tokyo-Haneda. In the announcement, Finnair Chief Commercial Officer Ole Orvér stated,
“Finnair has operated over 35 years between Japan and Finland. With the new flights, we are happy to offer even better connections between Tokyo and over 100 destinations in Europe. We also have a strong commitment to Narita Airport and will continue flying from there as well.”
Although the exact timetable will be subject to slot approvals at Haneda, the company stated that the flights will occur at night, to complement their morning flights from Narita. The new flights to Haneda will be code-shared with Japan Airlines, offering passengers connections throughout Japan. Outside Finland, Japan is the largest market for Finnair which currently offers service to Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Finnair previously announced new service to Sapporo in Hokkaido, which will begin December 15, 2019.
Jetstar
Last Friday (October 4, 2019), Qantas subsidiary Jetstar Airways announced that starting on March 25th, 2020, they would offer first-ever service between Melbourne and Busselton in the Margaret River region. The route will be operated three times weekly with an airbus A320, linking one of Western Australia’s top tourist destination to Melbourne. In the announcement Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans stated,
“With its world-class surf breaks and incredible food and wine, a visit to the region is on the travel wish lists of many travelers. Direct flights from Melbourne will save east coast customers the three-hour drive from Perth, putting the destination within easy reach for a short break away. And for residents in the South West it will open up the possibility of a mini break on the east coast with direct access to the sports, culture and extensive shopping on offer in Melbourne. We’re really proud to be the only scheduled airline to fly directly to this region and we are thrilled to be working with the Federal Government, the Western Australian Government and the City of Busselton to help boost local tourism.”
Busselton & the Margaret River Region
For those unfamiliar with the Margaret River region of Western Australia, the area is renowned for over 200 wineries which produce some of Australia’s finest wines. The area’s stunning landscape is home to world-class chefs and top producers of cheese, craft beer, olive oil, chocolate bread and seafood. In addition to great restaurants and bistros, the region offers pristine beaches, forests, walking trails and caves for the more adventurous. Busselton is located around 50km from the Margaret River and offers kid-friendly attractions, as well as sporting events, such as pro surfing, film and food festivals and other special events.
Source(s): Finnair, Jetstar Airways