SINGAPORE-- Jetstar has launched a direct flight between Singapore and China's eastern city of Ningbo, the budget carrier said on Friday.

The company now has close to 100 weekly flights from Singapore to eight destinations in China, such as Guilin, Haikou, Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Macau, Shantou and Taipei.

Jetstar said it has rapidly expanded its footprint into China over the last 18 months. It is preparing to launch long-haul flights from Singapore to Beijing on Nov 24.

It will initially operate a three times weekly service between Singapore and Ningbo and then grow it to four times by November.

Jetstar Asia Chief Executive Officer Chong Phit Lian said the combination of direct services and low fares will stimulate demand.

"Our flight from Ningbo to Singapore is full, reflecting the strong appetite for not only our low fares but our exclusive direct flight to Singapore," she said.

"Already we are seeing strong levels of leisure traffic from Ningbo and strong support for the route from the Singapore Zhejiang business community," she said.

Jetstar said its fares on the route were on average 40 percent lower than one-stop offerings from full service competitors.

Ningbo is one of the coastal cities in the affluent eastern province of Zhejiang.

The Jetstar network covers 56 destinations in 17 countries and regions