Jetstar launched its ninth aircraft in New Zealand today, adding 50,000 new seats a month on flights between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Taking off this morning, the additional A320 will fly on 20 additional weekly return services between Auckland and Wellington as well as seven new weekly return services between Auckland and Christchurch and Wellington and Christchurch.

Also creating 50 new jobs for Kiwi pilots, cabin and ground crew, Jetstar Australia and New Zealand chief executive David Hall said the new aircraft will support domestic growth across the country.

“Jetstar has been in the domestic market for well over three years and adding an extra aircraft allows us to offer a stronger domestic schedule and provider travellers with more great value fares throughout the day,” he said.

More than one million passengers have travelled with the airline since it commenced daily services across New Zealand for under $50 and three million under $100.