Qantas’s Jetstar mulls over ‘very large’ Airbus A320 order
A report in Flight Global says that Qantas’s low-cost arm Jetstar is looking to place a sizeable follow-on order for Airbus A320-family aircraft, with the Australian carrier saying it is looking to place additional orders for delivery from 2009, when the last of nine A320s already on order are delivered.
An evaluation is under way to determine how many additional aircraft may be required, after which Qantas board approval will be sought.
“We are looking at putting together a solid business case around a very large order for A320s,” says the airline, which adds that it may also consider adding larger A321s.
“We are very serious about this. We see some great growth opportunities within Australia and as our pan-Asia operations ramp up.”
Additional aircraft would primarily be for the main domestic operation within Australia, but some could be operated by Singapore-based associate Jetstar Asia.
Pacific Airlines of Vietnam – in which Qantas is taking a 30% stake and which is expected to be rebranded Jetstar next year – could also take some.
Jetstar operates 24 A320s, operated mainly within Australia but also serving New Zealand and Singapore.
Earlier this year Qantas ordered nine additional A320s for Jetstar, which is facing new competition at home from growing Virgin Blue as well as Singapore-based Tiger Airways, which is establishing an Australian domestic subsidiary.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season