Low Cost & Regional

Jetstar Asia to close next month

photo_camera Airline couldn't compete in the current LCC environment

Qantas has announced that its subsidiary LCC is set to close from the end of July.

The Singapore-headquartered airline was established in 2004 and served as the primary feeder carrier for its parent company, Jetstar, transporting passengers into Australia. It was one of Jetstar’s Asian affiliates, alongside Jetstar Japan, and operated as a low-cost subsidiary of Qantas which owns a 49% share alongside Westbrook Investments, which owns the controlling share.  Neither Jetstar or Jetstar Japan are affected by the closure.

The airline is expected to post a $35 million underlying EBIT loss this financial year, prior to the closure decision.

Data from IBA Insight shows that Jetstar Asia currently owns for aircraft, with nine on lease. These aircraft will replace leased aircraft in Jetstar Airways’ domestic operation to reduce its cost base. Some of the aircraft will also be used in Qantas’ regional operations in Western Australia.

READ: Regional review Asia Pacific: A new dawn

A statement from the airline read: “The decision followed an extensive and careful review of Jetstar Asia which has been increasingly challenged by rising costs and competition in the region it operates. This has unfortunately put unsustainable pressure on the airline’s ability to offer the low fares fundamental to its business model”.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said: “I want to sincerely thank and acknowledge our incredible Jetstar Asia team who should be very proud of the impact they have had on aviation in the region over the past two decades.”

Jetstar Asia customers with existing bookings on cancelled flights will be offered full refunds and the Group will look to reaccommodate customers onto other airlines where possible.

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