Singapore-based LCC Jetstar Asia is set to introduce its second route to China by the end of 2023, with the launch of a new service to Wuxi Shuofang Airport (WUX).

This airport serves the cities of Wuxi and Suzhou in southern Jiangsu Province.

Currently, Jetstar Asia operates just one route to China, flying four times weekly between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Haikou Meilan International Airport. However, the airline plans to increase operations starting Dec. 28 when the SIN-WUX route is inaugurated.

Initially, the carrier will offer flights twice a week, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft. Subsequently, the frequency will double to four flights per week starting on Jan. 15, 2024. Jetstar Asia anticipates serving more than 70,000 passengers annually between the two cities.

“Since China reopened their borders and entry requirements for foreign visitors returned to what they were pre-COVID, we’re seeing strong interest for services to key Chinese ports as well as increasing demand for services from China to Singapore,” Jetstar Asia CEO Barathan Pasupathi says.

“China is an important market and following the successful launch of our services to Haikou earlier this year, we’re excited to add another Chinese city to our growing list of destinations and believe Wuxi has the right dynamics to be a successful route.”

Wuxi, located near Shanghai in eastern China, boasts a population of approximately 7.5 million people, while nearby Suzhou is home to approximately 7 million inhabitants.

The SIN-WUX route was previously served by Scoot before the pandemic, and Juneyao Airlines offered nonstop flights on the sector January to July 2021. However, the cities have not had nonstop service since then.

Jetstar Asia operated five routes to China before the COVID-19 pandemic, flying to Guiyang, Haikou, Hefei, Shantou, and Xuzhou. All of these services were suspended in February 2020, with only the Haikou route resuming operations in July 2023.