Qantas, JAL and Mitsubishi to Launch Jetstar Japan

The Qantas Group, Japan Airlines and Mitsubishi Corporation are launching Jetstar Japan - a new domestic low cost airline.

The Qantas Group, JAL and Mitsubishi Corporation will each hold 1/3 share in the new company (voting-rights-basis).

Jetstar Japan will commence domestic operations by the end of 2012 and expects to fly from Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka (Kansai International), with other destinations under consideration including Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Okinawa.

Jetstar Japan also plans to ultimately offer short haul international services to key Asian cities.

The airline will launch with an initial fleet of three new Airbus A320 aircraft, configured for 180 customers in a single class, growing to 24 aircraft within its first few years. Total capitalization commitment for the new airline is up to ¥12 billion.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alan Joyce, said the establishment of Jetstar Japan was an historic and important 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," he said. "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."

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