By James Wilkinson
In a boost to the Australian MICE industry, the Qantas Group has announced it would order four additional Airbus A330-200 aircraft for Jetstar to cater for further long-haul international growth.
Jetstar is set for a further long-haul expansion
Jetstar already operates a fleet of six Airbus A330 aircraft to a number of key Asia-Pacific MICE destinations ex-Australia, including Bangkok, Denpasar, Honolulu and Phuket.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the first A330-200 aircraft would be delivered in November 2010.
“A key component of the Group’s growth strategy is its significant fleet renewal program,” he said.
“We currently have more than 160 aircraft on order over the next 10 years, including 50 Boeing 787s for operation by both Jetstar and Qantas.
“B787 program delays mean we have had to consider medium term options to support new long haul market opportunities for Jetstar,” he said.
The delay of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has meant Jetstar has had to temporarily shelve further long-haul expansion plans, which was intended to include destinations further afield, such as Athens, Greece.
“Jetstar’s growth is an important part of our two brand strategy and these new aircraft will support the airline’s growth across its international network which covers Australia, South East Asia and the Asia Pacific ahead of the delivery of the Qantas Group’s first B787-9,” Joyce said.
