Jetstar adapts to distribution trends

Jetstar adapts to distribution trends
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Low cost carrier Jetstar has underlined the need to continually adapt to best serve its expanding range of destinations which each have different needs, with the trade playing a varying role.

Although the vast majority of its bookings have come from its online channel since its launch ten years ago, head of commercial Nigel Fanning told Travel Today that the airline considers agents “part of the mix,” at least for now.

“They’ve got an important role to play so long as customers also see the value they have to offer,” he said, referring to a shifting landscape where consumers are more knowledgeable than ever thanks to the internet.

“Really it depends on how the market evolves from here. If they continue to offer value then we’re happy to work with them. At the end of the day it’s just about offering as much choice as possible.”

Jetstar has taken its recognition that “you can’t sell everything direct” with it into other markets in South East Asia, Fanning continued. Although he stressed that trade plays a bigger role in some markets than others with Jetstar consequently adopting a “pragmatic” approach to each. It has partnered with supermarket firm Lawson in Japan so shoppers can buy flights at a kiosk instore, and opened a retail store in Jakarta were customers can pay for flights in person with cash.

Meanwhile, excitement continues to build ahead of the delivery of the airline’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. While the first month will see it used for training, it will then fly scheduled domestic services in November to build up the required amount of experience of operating the aircraft type. It will then fly internationally from December with its deployment to be announced on the delivery flight in early October. 

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