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