Jetstar Asia is the only international carrier to operate direct services from Singapore to Xuzhou, located in the Northern China plain, with the first charter service taking off today.

Operating three times a week with an A320 aircraft, the services are a joint agreement between Jetstar Asia and Nanjing Oriental International Travel Agency and the fourth destination for Jetstar Asia in mainland China.

The inaugural service arrived in Singapore Changi Airport this afternoon with Jetstar Asia’s CEO Mr Bara Pasupathi and Changi Airport Group’s (CAG) Managing Director for Air Hub Development, Mr Lim Ching Kiat at the airport to welcome the passengers, which included Xu Donghai, Vice Mayor of the Xuzhou Municipal Government.

“As the only Singapore-based airline flying direct to Xuzhou, the service brings greater choice for local and international travellers,” said Mr Pasupathi.

“We predict the service will be popular with both leisure travellers keen to explore China’s history as well as business travellers with Xuzhou, known as the most ancient city in China and the center of the Huaihai economic development zone.

“The flight is part of our strategy to enable more people to travel to more places and make travel more accessible, helping further build Jetstar’s presence in the important Chinese market,” said Mr Pasupathi.

CAG’s Managing Director for Air Hub Development, Mr Lim Ching Kiat said, “With the addition of Xuzhou – a new city link for Changi, we are now connected to 34 cities in China with 16 carriers operating routes between the two countries. This new Xuzhou service was made possible by Changi Airport Group’s efforts in working closely with our industry partners, including charterers, and will bring greater convenience for leisure and business passengers travelling between Singapore and the Jiangsu province in China. CAG will continue cultivating new points in China and strengthening existing connections to the country, to offer an even greater range of destinations for our passengers.”

Jetstar currently operates more than 80 weekly flights to six destinations in Greater China – Shantou, Haikou, Sanya, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Fares for the new service are available for purchase today. The new service is delivered in partnership with Nanjing Oriental International Travel Agency and is also available for sale at www.jetstar.com

One-way Economy Starter fares* from Jetstar.com start from SGD310.