Melbourne Airport chief executive Chris Woodruff has welcomed plans to re-launch Jetstar’s direct flights between Melbourne and Honolulu, claiming it would offer Aussies “more choice” for international travel.

Announced yesterday, the Qantas subsidiary revealed it would reinstate the 2008 suspended flights between the two locations, with two weekly services commencing 15 December this year.

Utilising its A330 fleet, the airline added it would increase flights to three times weekly from 29 March next year, providing in total up to 19,000 extra seats a month for holidaymakers planning international trips. 

“Hawaii is a popular destination for Australian visitors as well as an important trading hub and gateway to the United States and greater Asia Pacific region,” Mr Woodruff explained.

The airline also announced this week that it would increase flights between Sydney and Phuket to four times weekly from December this year as well as increase services Bali from Melbourne and Sydney to daily.

Jetstar Group chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka said additional capacity was in response to growing demand particularly over the holiday periods.

“As a business, by focusing on managing our costs and getting our price points right we’re able to tap into strong underlying travel demand with highly competitive fares and a great product,” the CEO concluded.