An airline has picked Melbourne and Auckland as the first long-haul destinations for its Singapore hub operations.

Jetstar Airways, owned by Quantas Airways, will commence its Melbourne-Singapore services from December while Auckland-Singapore flights will begin next year on March.

Jetstar will use two wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircrafts from Singapore that can carry 303 passengers in a two-class cabin.

The first plane will arrive from Qantas mainline in November, followed by the second airbus in early 2011 from the Airbus factory.

Bruce Buchanan, Jetstar's chief executive, stressed the need for newer flights to accommodate customers with more traveling options with affordable rates.

"Connecting our three largest operations in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore strengthens each of these businesses and builds a solid foundation for future growth beyond Singapore to North North Asia and Europe," the chief said.

Last May, the airline released a statement that it will begin its long-haul operations in Singapore, Australia, North Asia, and Europe. Flights from Australia to Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and the US Islands of Honolulu are currently ongoing.

Chief executive Chris Woodruff of Melbourne Airport said Jetstar's new services to Singapore spells good news for travelers.

"These extra flights will mean more seats at affordable prices and, of course, more flexibility to fly to and from Victoria though this international hub,” Mr Woodruff said.

Jetstar's two new flights will also operate on a code-share basis with Quantas and is pending for approval.