Jetstar has revealed plans to boost direct services between Newcastle and Melbourne by 30% effective from 31 October.

The low cost carrier will introduce an additional Melbourne service on 31 Oct four days a week, which will then become daily on 6 December.

Newcastle Airport CEO, Paul Hughes, said: “The introduction of these services will provide passengers of Newcastle Airport with greater choice and will also have a positive impact on our local economy.]

“This increase to services means that passengers flying from Newcastle will have up to five flights a day to choose from, at different times of the day,” explained Paul.

“Following a tough period in aviation, we have, to date, matched our passenger figures of 2009 and this announcement gives me confidence that we will go on to exceed our original projection of 1.17 million passengers this year