Jetstar, Launch Long-Haul Flights from Singapore

Singapore travelers will be able to fly to destinations farther afield on a budget airline for the first time by the end of this year.

Low-cost carrier Jetstar announced yesterday it will mount long-haul flights out of Changi Airport, the first such carrier to do so here. Services will be operated using the airline's new 303-seater Airbus 330-200 aircraft, the first of which will arrive in Singapore in November with a second due to be delivered early next year.

Jetstar executives at yesterday's media conference were tight-lipped about routes, saying that several options were being considered, including points in North Asia, Australia and Southern Europe, which includes Rome and France.

The intention is to launch two routes by the time the second aircraft arrives, said Mr Simon Westaway, spokesman for both Jetstar Asia in Singapore and sister carrier Jetstar in Australia.

Both airlines are controlled by Qantas.

The carrier's decision to launch long-haul flights from Singapore will be a boon for travelers who can look forward to more choices and better deals, experts said.