It was launched on 5 May 2004, initially offering services to Bangkok and Hong Kong, before expanding to Indonesia, Mainland China and other cities in Thailand.

[1] It differentiated itself from other low-cost carriers by offering frills such as a baggage allowance of 20 kg, in-flight food, and a large seat pitch.

Valuair sought to differentiate itself from its competitors such as then-rival Jetstar Asia and Tiger Airways by offering free hot meals, wider legroom and assigned seating, and marketed itself as a low-fare airline.

However, rising fuel prices, along with lack of financial backing and the deep pockets of Qantas' Jetstar Asia and Singapore Airlines-backed Tiger Airways finally forced the airline to concede defeat in the highly-competitive local scene.

Jetstar Asia and Valuair said they would continue to operate their normal routes under their own brands in the meantime, with little or no change to the service offered by either airline.

In an attempt to protect local airlines, in 2005 Indonesia introduced a new policy preventing foreign low-cost carriers from flying to major airports within the country.

[4] Jetstar Asia had not yet established routes into Indonesia, so the merger was seen as the airline's strategy to get an early entrance into the lucrative Indonesian market.

The following list shows the former destinations, including the city served, the country, the airport, and the begin and end year of the service.

On flights operated by Valuair, passengers were only allowed to consume food and drinks purchased onboard unless they had special dietary needs.