Jetstar to deliver tourism gains: Joyce

Jetstar to deliver tourism gains: Joyce
By admin


Local tourism will reap the benefits of Jetstar's expanding network this year as the carrier leverages its brand to promote Australia across Asia, according to Qantas boss Alan Joyce.

Speaking at a Tourism and Transport Forum lunch in Sydney yesterday, Joyce declared that this year, the low cost carrier "comes of age".

He laid out Jetstar's priorities over the next 12 months as strengthening its footprint in existing markets, while continuing to grow Jetstar Japan and preparing for the launch of Jetstar Hong Kong.

The airline has passed the 100 million passenger milestone, and this year will take its fleet to 100 aircraft, with the delivery of the group's first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

"These are quite amazing outcomes given the business started less than 10 years ago," Joyce said. "What all this means is that we have reached a turning point for the Jetstar business in terms of its scale."

He reported a strong start for Jetstar Japan which has recently launched three new destinations and is forecast to carry more than 1.5 million passengers in its first year of operation. He also expressed high hopes for Jetstar Hong Kong, still pending regulatory approval ahead of its proposed launch in mid-2013.

"In fact as all the Jetstar businesses grow, the network benefits of the portfolio will become more visible and very significant," he said. "We will be using the leverage of that strong Jetstar brand to promote Australia all over Asia."

Meanwhile, Joyce insisted the "renewal" of Qantas International is well underway despite a challenging economic climate.

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