West Australian travellers have gained a new gateway to the tropics with Jetstar's inaugural direct flight from Perth to Manila successfully taking off on Thursday night.
New Route Expands Western Australia's Asian Connections
The budget carrier's maiden service to the Philippine capital marks the first time Jetstar has ever connected Perth directly with the Philippines. Regular non-stop operations will continue with three weekly services aboard the modern Airbus A321LR aircraft.
With this strategic addition, Jetstar now operates five Asia-bound routes from Western Australia's capital, complementing existing services to popular destinations including Phuket, Bali, Singapore and Bangkok.
Boosting WA Tourism and Family Connections
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully described the new route as a significant milestone for the airline's Western Australian operations. "This is Jetstar's fifth route from Perth to Asia and is part of a longer-term plan to grow our operations in the west," Ms Tully stated.
"Manila will be popular with West Australian holidaymakers for its great value shopping, tasty food scene and rich history and cultural experiences."
The new route holds special significance for Perth-based Jetstar First Officer Daniel McKelvie, who will operate these services. "My Mum grew up in Manila and I go back every year to see family and friends so it's incredible to have direct flights from Perth," Mr McKelvie shared.
"One of my favourite things about Manila is the warm and friendly hospitality of Filipinos who always make me feel right at home."
Affordable Tropical Getaways Now Accessible
The airline is promoting competitive introductory pricing, with one-way fares from Perth to Manila currently available online from $299. This aggressive pricing strategy positions the new route as an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers seeking tropical escapes.
The expansion demonstrates Jetstar's commitment to growing its Western Australian presence while providing more direct international connections for residents. The additional capacity is expected to stimulate tourism flow between Western Australia and the Philippines while offering more convenient travel options for the Filipino community in WA.
