Jetstar Asia Airways Private Limited (Chinese: 捷星亚洲航空公司), operating as
Jetstar Asia, is a
low-cost airlineA low-cost carrier or low-cost airline is an airline that offers generally low fares in exchange for eliminating many traditional passenger services...
headquartered in
SingaporeSingapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, lying north of the equator, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of Indonesia's Riau Islands. At , Singapore is a microstate and the smallest nation in Southeast...
. It is the Asian offshoot of
QantasQantas Airways Limited is the national airline of Australia. The name was originally "QANTAS", an acronym for "Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services". Nicknamed "The Flying Kangaroo", the airline is based in Sydney, with its main hub at Sydney Airport. It is Australia's largest...
's
Jetstar AirwaysJetstar Airways is a low-cost airline headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is a subsidiary of Qantas, created in response to the threat posed by low-cost airline Virgin Blue Airlines. It operates an extensive domestic network as well as regional and international services. Its main...
. It operates services to regional destinations. Its main base is
Singapore Changi AirportSingapore Changi Airport or simply Changi Airport is a major aviation hub in Asia, particularly in the Southeast Asian region, and is the main airport in Singapore...
.
The airline anticipates profitability in 2009, although there were indications that this may happen earlier due to better performance in 2007. On April 16, 2008, the company announced that it has gone into the black in the year ended March 31, 2008, with an increase of 20 per cent in the number of passengers carried and a passenger load factor of over 75 per cent, an increase of 4 per cent over the previous year.
Jetstar Asia was started with Qantas having a 49 per cent stake in the airline.
Jetstar Asia Airways Private Limited (Chinese: 捷星亚洲航空公司), operating as
Jetstar Asia, is a
low-cost airlineA low-cost carrier or low-cost airline is an airline that offers generally low fares in exchange for eliminating many traditional passenger services...
headquartered in
SingaporeSingapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, lying north of the equator, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of Indonesia's Riau Islands. At , Singapore is a microstate and the smallest nation in Southeast...
. It is the Asian offshoot of
QantasQantas Airways Limited is the national airline of Australia. The name was originally "QANTAS", an acronym for "Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services". Nicknamed "The Flying Kangaroo", the airline is based in Sydney, with its main hub at Sydney Airport. It is Australia's largest...
's
Jetstar AirwaysJetstar Airways is a low-cost airline headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is a subsidiary of Qantas, created in response to the threat posed by low-cost airline Virgin Blue Airlines. It operates an extensive domestic network as well as regional and international services. Its main...
. It operates services to regional destinations. Its main base is
Singapore Changi AirportSingapore Changi Airport or simply Changi Airport is a major aviation hub in Asia, particularly in the Southeast Asian region, and is the main airport in Singapore...
.
The airline anticipates profitability in 2009, although there were indications that this may happen earlier due to better performance in 2007. On April 16, 2008, the company announced that it has gone into the black in the year ended March 31, 2008, with an increase of 20 per cent in the number of passengers carried and a passenger load factor of over 75 per cent, an increase of 4 per cent over the previous year.
History
Jetstar Asia was started with Qantas having a 49 per cent stake in the airline. The other shareholders were held by the Singapore government's investment company,
Temasek HoldingsTemasek Holdings is an investment company owned by the government of Singapore. With an international staff of 350 people, it manages a portfolio of about S$185 billion, or more than US$127 billion, focused primarily in Asia...
(Private) Limited (19 per cent) and two prominent Singaporean businessmen, Tony Chew (22 per cent) and FF Wong (10 per cent). It received its air operator's certificate from the Singapore government on November 19, 2004.
Due to its belated entry into the market, the airline differentiated itself from its competitors by flying further anywhere within a five-hour radius from Singapore while its competitors flew to destinations within a four-hour radius from Singapore. The airline announced seven routes to
ShanghaiShanghai is the largest city in China, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people. Located on China's central eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city is administered as a municipality of the People's Republic of China with province-level...
,
Hong KongHong Kong , officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a highly autonomous territory of the People's Republic of China, facing Guangdong to the north and the South China Sea to the east, west and south...
,
TaipeiTaipei is the largest city in Taiwan and has served as the de facto capital of the Republic of China since the Chinese Civil War in 1949. It is situated on the Danshui River, almost at the northern tip of the island, about 25 km southwest of Keelung, its port on the Pacific Ocean...
,
PattayaPattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung in the province of Chonburi....
,
JakartaJakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. It also has a greater population than any other city in Southeast Asia. It was formerly known as Sunda Kelapa , Jayakarta , Batavia , and Djakarta . Located on the northwest coast of Java, it has an area of and a population of 8,489,910...
,
SurabayaSurabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city, and the capital of the province of East Java. It is located on the northern shore of eastern Java at the mouth of the Mas River and along the edge of the Madura Strait....
and
ManilaThe City of Manila , or simply Manila or Maynila, is the capital of the Philippines and one of the 17 cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila. It is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay, on the western portion of the National Capital Region, in the western side of Luzon...
, the most ambitious start-up plan compared to any of its Asian rivals, which would have given it the widest international coverage.
Online ticketing commenced at 0800 hours (8GMT) on December 7, 2004, a day after the first three routings and their promotional prices were announced, namely S$48 (HK$228) to
Hong KongHong Kong , officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a highly autonomous territory of the People's Republic of China, facing Guangdong to the north and the South China Sea to the east, west and south...
, S$88 (NT1788) to
TaipeiTaipei is the largest city in Taiwan and has served as the de facto capital of the Republic of China since the Chinese Civil War in 1949. It is situated on the Danshui River, almost at the northern tip of the island, about 25 km southwest of Keelung, its port on the Pacific Ocean...
and S$28 (Bht725) to
PattayaPattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung in the province of Chonburi....
on a one-way ticket for all seats in the first week of operations as each routing is launched. Flights to
ManilaThe City of Manila , or simply Manila or Maynila, is the capital of the Philippines and one of the 17 cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila. It is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay, on the western portion of the National Capital Region, in the western side of Luzon...
began in 2005. As part of its differentiation, Jetstar flew to
Ninoy Aquino International AirportThe Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA , is the airport serving the general area of Manila and its surrounding metropolitan area...
instead of the cheaper
Diosdado Macapagal International AirportDiosdado Macapagal International Airport , also called Clark International Airport , is the main airport serving the immediate vicinity of the Clark Special Economic Zone and the general area of Angeles City in the Philippines...
in
Angeles CityAngeles City , located within the province of Pampanga in the Philippines, is locally classified as a first-class, highly-urbanized city...
.
However, certain announced destinations like
ShanghaiShanghai is the largest city in China, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people. Located on China's central eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city is administered as a municipality of the People's Republic of China with province-level...
,
JakartaJakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. It also has a greater population than any other city in Southeast Asia. It was formerly known as Sunda Kelapa , Jayakarta , Batavia , and Djakarta . Located on the northwest coast of Java, it has an area of and a population of 8,489,910...
and
SurabayaSurabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city, and the capital of the province of East Java. It is located on the northern shore of eastern Java at the mouth of the Mas River and along the edge of the Madura Strait....
could not be started. The non-start of flights to
ShanghaiShanghai is the largest city in China, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people. Located on China's central eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city is administered as a municipality of the People's Republic of China with province-level...
was because China's aviation authority did not allow foreign budget airlines flying to both
ShanghaiShanghai is the largest city in China, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people. Located on China's central eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city is administered as a municipality of the People's Republic of China with province-level...
and
BeijingBeijing is a metropolis in northern China and the capital of the People's Republic of China...
airports. Flights to Indonesia were not allowed as Indonesia's government embarked a policy of protectionism. Existing flights by low-fare airlines like
ValuairValuair Limited is a Singapore-based low-cost carrier. It was launched in 2004, offering initial services to Bangkok and Hong Kong. It differentiates itself from other low-cost carriers in that it offers frills such as a baggage allowance of over 20 kg, in-flight food, allocated seats, and 32 inch...
's flights to
JakartaJakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. It also has a greater population than any other city in Southeast Asia. It was formerly known as Sunda Kelapa , Jayakarta , Batavia , and Djakarta . Located on the northwest coast of Java, it has an area of and a population of 8,489,910...
and
DenpasarDenpasar is the capital city of the province of Bali, Indonesia. It is also the site of Ngurah Rai Airport, the main gateway to Bali. It has a population of 491,500 . It is located at .-History:...
as well as
Tiger AirwaysTiger Airways Private Limited is a low-cost airline based in Singapore, with its primary hub at Singapore Changi Airport. Incorporated in September 2003, it is currently the largest low-cost airline operating out of Singapore in terms of passengers carried...
' service to Padang were not revoked.
Despite facing a difficult market, Jetstar Asia took delivery of a fifth aircraft in 2005 and sought approval for new routes. Jetstar planned to lease the aircraft from Atlasjet Airways, but the plane was later withdrawn from the lease arrangement. Discussions were held with Qantas to source additional aircraft. In 2005, the budget carrier began seeking approval from Cambodian authorities to fly to
Phnom PenhPhnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. It is also the capital of the Phnom Penh municipality...
and
Siem ReapSiem Reap City is the capital of Siem Reap Province, Cambodia.Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter, and around the Old Market. In town, there are Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a bird...
, and was eventually granted rights.
Hot on the heels of
Tiger AirwaysTiger Airways Private Limited is a low-cost airline based in Singapore, with its primary hub at Singapore Changi Airport. Incorporated in September 2003, it is currently the largest low-cost airline operating out of Singapore in terms of passengers carried...
' success on the Phuket route, Jetstar Asia announced four-times-weekly flights to Phuket. The flight commenced on October 25, 2005, and arrived in Phuket every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. However, due to inconsistent demand and better opportunities elsewhere, Jetstar announced the suspension of flights to Phuket on March 27, 2008.
By the end of December, it was clear that Jetstar Asia was bleeding cash and its investors were struggling to finance the airline. On December 2, 2005, Jetstar Asia announced that its
chief executive officerA chief executive officer or chief executive is one of the highest-ranking corporate officers or administrators in charge of total management...
(CEO), Ken Ryan, was stepping down to return to Australia. Mr Ryan would take on a new management role at Orange Star's majority shareholder Qantas and would been replaced at the helm by Neil Thompson. On February 9, 2006, Jetstar Asia appointed Singaporean Chong Phit Lian as the airline's new CEO, replacing interim CEO Neil Thompson.
On July 26, 2006,
QantasQantas Airways Limited is the national airline of Australia. The name was originally "QANTAS", an acronym for "Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services". Nicknamed "The Flying Kangaroo", the airline is based in Sydney, with its main hub at Sydney Airport. It is Australia's largest...
decided to re-position both of its Jetstar ventures in Australia and Singapore as a single brand. This was followed by a launch of Jetstar's long-haul operations to six destinations in South-east Asia from Australia.
On September 15, 2006], Jetstar Asia became the first international airline to land at Bangkok's
Suvarnabhumi AirportSuvarnabhumi Airport , also known as Bangkok International Airport, is the international airport serving Southeast Asia, and Bangkok, Thailand...
.
On August 13, 2007, Jetstar Asia moved to
Hong Kong International AirportHong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong, People's Republic of China. It is colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport , because it was built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation, and also to distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport.The...
's Terminal Two. Passengers would check-in at the new facility and board the flight at the existing passenger terminal building at Terminal One via an automated people-mover system.
On April 16, 2008, Jetstar Asia announced that it had reported a profit ahead of schedule, ahead of local rival
Tiger AirwaysTiger Airways Private Limited is a low-cost airline based in Singapore, with its primary hub at Singapore Changi Airport. Incorporated in September 2003, it is currently the largest low-cost airline operating out of Singapore in terms of passengers carried...
. Both Jetstar Asia and sister airline, Valuair saw a 20 per cent increase in revenue, a 4 per cent rise in passenger load and an overall 20 per cent jump in passenger carriage for the year ending March 2008. The airline's CEO attributes its success to better brand awareness as well as an increased utilisation of aircraft, growing revenue and a broadening of the earning base.
Jetstar Asia (3K)- Valuair(VF) merger
Jetstar Asia and
ValuairValuair Limited is a Singapore-based low-cost carrier. It was launched in 2004, offering initial services to Bangkok and Hong Kong. It differentiates itself from other low-cost carriers in that it offers frills such as a baggage allowance of over 20 kg, in-flight food, allocated seats, and 32 inch...
merged on the July 24, 2005, in the first major consolidation of South-east Asia's crowded low-cost airline industry. Jetstar Asia and Valuair said they would continue to operate their normal routes under their own brands in the meantime, with little or no change to the service offered by either airline. Qantas CEO and Jetstar Asia chairman Geoff Dixon chairs the new company. Jetstar Asia CEO Chong Phit Lian has been appointed as the chief executive of both airlines. The new company is to expect a cash injection of around more than 50 million Singapore dollars in fresh capital into the new entity, largely to be provided by Qantas. Shareholders of Valuair, including airline-industry veteran Lim Chin Beng, Malaysia's Star Cruises and Asiatravel.com, have now become minority shareholders in the merged company,
Orange StarOrange Star is an airline holding company that was formed on July 24, 2005, when Jetstar Asia and Valuair announced their merger in the light of growing competition from other low-cost carriers, price wars and rising fuel costs. Jetstar Asia Chief Executive Officer Chong Phit Lian became the CEO...
. Qantas owns 42.5 per cent of airlines after the merger.
- On September 19, 2005, it was announced that Jetstar Asia would fly four times weekly to Phuket commencing on October 25, 2005.
- On July 26, 2006, Jetstar Asia and Jetstar was re-positioned as one single brand "JETSTAR". It also announced the launch of Jetstar's long-haul international operations to six destinations in South-east Asia, Japan and the Pacific after the re-positioning as a single brand.
Ownership
Newstar, the new owner of Jetstar Asia, is itself 49 per cent owned by Australia’s Qantas. It is also the 100 per cent owner of Valuair. Dennis Khoo is the other shareholder in Newstar, and is a long-time regional partner of Qantas.
Achievement & awards
- 'Best Brand Experience for Low Cost Carrier' by Ad Asia Magazine
- 'Best Low Cost Airline, Southeast Asia & Asia (2006 & 2008)' -Skytrax Award
- 'Top 10 Airlines by Passenger Carriage (2006 & 2007)' -Changi Airline Award from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
- 'Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier (2006 & 2007)' -as well as TTG Travel Awards
Seating
Jetstar Asia aircraft feature leather seats with a seat pitch of 30 inches and free online seat selection and allocation.
Food and beverage
Passengers may purchase food and beverage on board from the cabin crew as part of a
buy on boardIn commercial flight, buy on board is a system where food and/or beverages are paid for on board; often food and/or beverages are not included in the ticket price for certain fare classes....
programme called Star Cafe. On flights operated by Jetstar Asia, passengers may only consume food and drinks purchased on board unless they have special dietary needs.
Destinations
Jetstar currently offers up to 350 flights per week.
Future plans
There are plans to add destinations in India, China as well as establishing joint ventures in Asia.
Code-share partners
- Jetstar Airways
Jetstar Airways is a low-cost airline headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is a subsidiary of Qantas, created in response to the threat posed by low-cost airline Virgin Blue Airlines. It operates an extensive domestic network as well as regional and international services. Its main...
- Valuair
Valuair Limited is a Singapore-based low-cost carrier. It was launched in 2004, offering initial services to Bangkok and Hong Kong. It differentiates itself from other low-cost carriers in that it offers frills such as a baggage allowance of over 20 kg, in-flight food, allocated seats, and 32 inch...
- Jetstar Pacific
- Myanmar Airways International
Myanmar Airways International Co., Ltd. is the international airline of Myanmar, headquartered in the Sakura Tower in Yangon.It operates scheduled international services to destinations in South-east Asia. Its main base is Yangon International Airport....
Fleet
As of April 30, 2009, the Jetstar Asia Airways fleet comprises the following aircraft:
Jetstar Asia Fleet
| Aircraft |
In fleet |
Order |
Option |
Seat Configuration |
Routes |
Notes |
| Airbus A320-232 The Airbus A320 family of short- to medium-range commercial passenger airliners are manufactured by Airbus and are the only narrowbody in their product line...
|
5 |
3 |
0 |
168 - 180 |
Short haul |
|
External links