There is however a catch.
Like the Tokyo service which operates via a stop in Manila, the Osaka service will have a stop in Singapore, utilising existing (rebadged) evening flights to Singapore. However the Osaka service wont be quite as seamless as the Tokyo service with a change of equipment on the Singapore-Osaka leg (an upgrade to an A330). What makes it a Darwin-Osaka service is the fact that it will carry a single flight number - that's all. While Darwin - Osaka will have only a one hour stopover in Singapore the return journey will have a six hour stopover.
Darwin-Singapore Singapore-Osaka
JQ 64 18.20 – 21.20 JQ 64 22.30 – 06.00 Thurs, Fri, Sun, (inc Mon from 17 Dec 12)
Osaka-Singapore Singapore-Darwin
JQ 63 10.30 – 16.20 JQ 63 22.20 – 04.30 Mon, Fri, Sat, (inc Tues from 18 Dec 12)
Osaka the latest destination
Northern Territory News - DAMIEN McCARTNEY - July 19th, 2012
A long-haul flight to Osaka, Japan, has been added to the Darwin-Singapore route.
Jetstar Group chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka said the extension was a case of "joining the dots".
"This new service means Darwin will be connected to Osaka as well as Tokyo, and by extension, to three other major Japanese cities via Jetstar Japan's domestic network," she said.
"We expect this new link to encourage more outbound tourism from Japan, particularly combined with a domestic network that makes it more affordable to reach international flights to Darwin and Singapore."
Pip Barry and Jason Reid, both of Melbourne, were excited about the new flight.
"We are actually looking at going on a skiing trip to Japan next year, so it's well-timed," Ms Barry, 29, said.
Mr Reid, 39, said the food and culture in Japan was spectacular too.
The flights will depart on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and return on Monday, Friday and Saturday.