Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Jetstar, Japan Airlines Form a Low-Cost Carrier

Australia’s Qantas Group and Japan Airlines (JAL) announced today the launch of a low-cost Japanese carrier, Jetstar Japan. Together with Mitsubishi Corporation, the two oneworld partners hope to make this new airline operational by the end of the next year. Each three of them will hold 1/3 share in the new airline.

Jetstar Japan will be a budget carrier that will cater to those airline passengers who look for cheap flight tickets. The airline is expected to offer flights from the Tokyo, Narita Airport and Osaka, Kansai International. Jetstar Japan is also expected to provide short haul international flights eventually. Its international operations will most likely cover key Asian cities.

Jetstar Japan will initially launch with a fleet of three Airbus A320s, with each of them configured for 180 passengers in a single class. Within first few years, the airline hopes to grow to 24 aircrafts.

Qantas Group’s Jetstar first entered Japan in 2007 and since then has become the preferred carrier of those who opt for cheap tickets on flights. Keeping the Jetstar’s low fare model in mind, Jetstar Japan promises to offer low airfares on its flights too. ‘Price Beat Guarantee’ policy may also be adopted by the Qantas and JAL’s new airline.

Qantas’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alan Joyce, described the airline launch as an historic step for the Qantas Group.

“The Qantas Group has a long history of serving the Japanese air travel market, with Qantas and Jetstar operating regular services between Australia and Japan,” Mr Joyce was quoted in the press release posted on the company’s website.

“Qantas and JAL have a long-standing relationship, as codeshare partners and fellow oneworld™ alliance members. We are also delighted to be joining with Mitsubishi Corporation– one of Japan’s great global brands – to launch Jetstar Japan, building on the successful expansion of the Jetstar brand across Asia.”

“The Qantas Group has a wealth of experience in establishing low cost carriers and we’re looking forward to working with our two partners on this new venture which will offer low fares to the Japanese travelling public,” Alan Joyce further added.

President of Japan Airlines, Mr. Masaru Onishi was also buoyed by the development and expressed hopes that the new airline will assist JAL to cater to wider market in Japan.

“We are confident that Jetstar Japan will broaden the spectrum of travellers as it creates new demand in this market,” observed Mr. Onishi.

“It will encourage even more movement of people within the country and also increase the number of visitors from Asia to Japan. We anticipate this to stimulate consumer spending and play a role in revitalizing the Japanese economy,” he added.

No comments:

Post a Comment