Jetstar Japan has finalised arrangements to lease 24 new Airbus A320 aircraft.
The deals, which have been agreed with five aircraft leasing companies, will see the new single-aisle jets delivered to the airline progressively over the next three years, as it expands its fleet and route network. All of aircraft have been sourced through the Qantas Group’s existing fleet orders.
The Tokyo-based low-cost carrier started its commercial flights on 3 July with a fleet of three A320s, all configured in a single-class layout seating 180 passengers. A fourth aircraft will be delivered next month.
The new agreements will see Jetstar Japan lease five aircraft from MC Aviation Partners, a unit of Jetstar Japan shareholder Mitsubishi, six from Century Tokyo Leasing, six from GECAS, four from Hong Kong Aviation Capital and three from Jackson Square Aviation.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Miyuki Suzuki, said finalising lease agreements for its fleet so early reflected positive market sentiment.
“It’s unique for a start-up airline to have completed such a large and complex set of transactions prior to the first flight and it’s a credit to the lessors we have selected,” said Ms Suzuki. “Our lessors understand the value of the Jetstar brand, our strategy and our business model and are excited to be part of the success of the new airline.”
Jetstar Japan will be operating up to 26 flights a day by the end of August 2012 and is planning to introduce international flights during 2013. Based at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, it is currently serving domestic flights to Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa.