AFP
Jetstar, the discount carrier offshoot of Australian flag-carrier Qantas, said Thursday it was making Singapore its major Asian hub, giving it a base to expand into long-haul international flights.
Jetstar signed an agreement with Singapore airport operator Changi Airport Group to make the city-state its largest base in Asia for both short- and long-haul flights.
“Under the three-year agreement, the Jetstar Group… is committed to increase existing flight frequencies and offer more destinations from Singapore,” the airline said in a joint statement with the airport operator.
The Jetstar Group includes Jestar in Australia as well as Jetstar Asia and Valuair, which are based in Singapore.
“The clear operational advantages of Singapore as a hub and primary access point into Asia are clear and can now be further built upon as a result of this agreement,” Jetstar’s chief executive, Bruce Buchanan, said in a statement. Related article: Jetstar airlines signs less polluting jet engine
“This agreement is most important to us and provides a platform for sustainable future growth throughout Asia.”
Jetstar said it will, for the first time, use the wide-body Airbus A330-200 for long-haul flights to and from destinations in Asia and beyond, but did not say when.
The low cost carrier currently uses the Airbus A320 family in its operations.
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