Jetstar to shift six A320s from Japan to Australia

Jetstar is to “temporarily” move six Airbus A320s from its Jetstar Japan unit to its Australian operation, as the latter’s relatively strong domestic market provides an outlet for capacity. Jetstar CE Gareth Evans said that while the group remains committed to Jetstar Japan – which is a partnership between Qantas, Japan Airlines and Tokyo Century Corporation – the slower recovery pace in Japan and the demise of Virgin Australia’s Tigerair Australia unit meant there was a greater need for capacity in its home country. “We’re looking to bring six of the Jetstar Japan aircraft down to Australia… for a temporary period – not permanently but for two to three years perhaps to provide some capacity for growth to Jetstar domestically and potentially to leverage into Western Australia as well,” Evans says. That means Jetstar Japan’s fleet falling from 25 aircraft to 19, amid a continued effort to serve largely domestic routes in the country.<br/>