Jetstar says it is seeking financial assistance from regions to help lower its costs of flying there.
Photo: SUPPLIED / Jetstar
The Qantas-owned budget airline plans to fly to at least four new regional centres, and the short list includes Hamilton, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Napier, Nelson, Palmerston North and Invercargill.
Jetstar head, Grant Kerr insisted its push into more regions is about generating economic growth rather than trying to steal existing business from rivals.
He told Nine to Noon that may include local councils sharing some promotions costs to boost patronage, and it was waiting for a response from the regions.
Mr Kerr said travellers benefited from cheaper prices when Jetstar entered a market, with prices falling 40 percent on average.
Jetstar aims to start flying to the chosen regions by the end of the year.