Jetstar A321neo

[Greg Hyde]

From CH-Aviation

30.05.2023 - 23:20 UTC

Jetstar Airways (JQ, Melbourne Tullamarine) expects its new A321-200NX(LR)s and A321-200NY(XLR)s to be providing more than 50% of its narrowbody capacity by the 2027 financial year. The Qantas Group, owners of the low-cost carrier, made the disclosure during an investor's briefing in Sydney on May 29.

Jetstar has seven A321neo(LR)s already delivered from a larger order of 23. Once all those aircraft arrive, deliveries of fifteen A321neo(XLR)s will begin. A Jetstar spokesperson told ch-aviation that the eighth A321neo(LR), VH-OFW (msn 11380), will land in Australia on or around June 18. The spokesperson said the airline expects 18 of the A321neo(LR)s by the end of calendar 2024. Concurrently, the airline will begin phasing out many of its A320-200s, with those retained used on domestic routes

The Qantas Group said they will primarily use the A321neo(LR)s on short haul international routes, including to Denpasar. Jetstar has a dominant 51% market share on routes between Australia and Denpasar. The airline also sees growth opportunities beyond Indonesia and is starting a Sydney Kingsford Smith - Rarotonga service in late June using the aircraft type. The A321neo(XLR)s will fly on medium-haul international sectors and have the range to fly to markets such as Singapore Changi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta from any Australian capital city. The existing 11-strong fleet of B787-8s will be retained and focus on Jetstar's medium to long haul sectors, including flights to Japan and South Korea. The Qantas Group says the new
Airbus narrowbodies will open up a range of new destinations.

Participants in this week's briefing were told that Jetstar was "leveraging its low-cost position" and brand to strengthen and grow outbound leisure routes from Australia, including to Japan where Jetstar anticipates a 36% market share on the country pair this financial year. In addition, the airline wants to launch into new markets, highlighting North Asia as a focus region, and boost its partnerships to increase reach. Jetstar currently has 49 interline and 14 codeshare partners.