Jetstar is equipping its fleet with a $7.7 million satellite-based navigation system that will reduce delays brought on by bad weather.
The upgrade to the low-cost airline's A320 and A321 crafts was approved following a year-long trial of the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) system at Queenstown Airport.
Aircraft's fitted with RNP can safely navigate around cloud shrouded mountains, through valleys and over high terrain when low visibility would increase the chance of flight disruptions.
The technology made it possible for flights to operate through most of the peak winter ski season.
Jetstar Group chief executive Bruce Buchanan said RNP technology improved flight safety, speed and efficiency.
"This new navigation aid reduces the time spent circling due to bad weather, which helps passengers arrive on time and cuts our fuel use," said Buchanan in a statement.
Jetstar aircraft can now fly into Queenstown with as little as three kilometres of visibility.
Prior to RNP the minimum conditions for instrument lands were 15 kilometres of visibility.
Air New Zealand had its entire A320 fleet RNP enabled in 2009.
The technology allowed Air New Zealand to continue flights when volcanic ash cloud from Chile hovered over Queenstown in June last year, while Qantas and Jetstar were grounded.
