Regions keen to get onboard Jetstar

Jetstar flights are overwhelmingly supported in the regions.

Jetstar flights are overwhelmingly supported in the country's regions, according to a new survey released ahead of Jetstar announcing its new regional routes.

The nationwide Jetstar survey found 94 per cent of regional flyer's supported the planned regional service.

Jetstar commissioned the independent research following the announcement it would begin regional services to four destinations later this year.

The destinations under consideration are Rotorua, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Nelson and Invercargill. The online survey was completed by 900 travellers in July.

Cheaper fares, more competition and more choice were cited as the key reasons travellers supported Jetstar's regional expansion.

A number of those surveyed said Jetstar regional services would benefit local economies, with one respondent noting it could even make regional commuting more viable.

Nearly all travellers believed Jetstar's entry into regional markets would boost passenger numbers, with 95 per cent agreeing more people would fly into the regions if cheaper fares were available, with 87 per cent of those surveyed saying they would consider flying regionally more often if fares were cheaper.

Grant Kerr, head of Jetstar New Zealand, said the survey results were highly encouraging and echoed the sentiments expressed on regional visits in June and July.

"We've had a very positive response to our June announcement and the feedback we've received on our regional visits has been equally supportive," he said.

"The results of the survey show that travellers outside the main centres want competition, choice - and, of course, low fares.

"And I'm sure they don't want to have to drive to another city just to be able to catch an affordable domestic flight."

Mr Kerr said the airline remained on track to announce the new regional routes in a few weeks.