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Qantas announce new low-fare carrier
Actaully it's its Impulse Airlines rebaranded. See story at
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/...127331088.html or read below: Qantas names low cost carrier Jetstar December 1, 2003 - 2:47PM Australian flagship carrier Qantas Airways Ltd today said its low cost airline would be called Jetstar. Qantas chief executive officer Geoff Dixon said the airline would use new Airbus A320 aircraft from June next year and would eventually have an all-A320 fleet. Qantas said at its annual general meeting in October that it would launch a low-cost domestic carrier, amid competition from Richard Branson's Virgin Blue. "The domestic leisure market is growing rapidly and now represents over 60 per cent of all passengers," Mr Dixon said today. "Jetstar will concentrate on growing this market with value fares while opening up new destinations." Mr Dixon said Qantas' board had last week approved a number of initiatives for the airlines domestic operations. He said Impulse Airlines would be the operating entity for the low cost carrier with the placement of an initial order of 23 A320 aircraft. The board also approved the reorganisation of the full service Qantas domestic airline into a two-class jet operation on all services, using only two aircraft types - Boeing 737 and 767. It also approved the acquisition of an additional five Boeing 737-800 aircraft for the full service domestic airline to replace the airline's last 737-300's and further modernise the fleet. Mr Dixon said he was confident Jetstar would be the lowest cost operator in Australia with new aircraft, slimline seating, a new booking system and by using Impulse as the operating entity. He said the startup of Jetstar would add to the overall strength of Qantas, which currently comprises Qantas International, Australian Airlines, Qantas domestic and QantasLink. Mr Dixon also said the purchase of the new aircraft would not stress the company's balance sheet. "We will remain within our desired gearing level," he said. "The domestic market is strong and the international market is returning quickly from the effects of SARS and the war in Iraq. All our businesses are profitable." Jetstar will begin selling seats in February 2004 and start flying in May, using 14 Boeing 717's currently operated by Impulse Airlines under the QantasLink brand. The first Airbus A320 will be delivered in June next year and Jetset will progressively move to an all A320 fleet, Qantas said. Mr Dixon said that while the initial order is for 23 A320's, more aircraft could be acquired as Jetstar grows. The airline's route network and fare structure will be announced in January next year. He added that the board's approval of the five additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft for the full service domestic airline will result in a large, uniform and more modern fleet. At 1421 AEDT, Qantas shares were trading three cents lower at $3.30 in a flatter overall market. AAP |
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