Asian LCC sector competition heats up as Jetstar eyes Europe services via Asia
Tags :
South Pacific,
Jetstar
(CAPA) Jetstar has announced it will look at both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, as well as Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh, for a potential hub for services to Europe, in a competitive shot at both Tiger Airways and AirAsia (and its long-haul unit AirAsia X).
AirAsia X recently announced that its first destination will be Gold Coast in Australia, with Melbourne Avalon to follow not long after. The Qantas low-fare affiliate wasted little time in retaliating, stating on 11-Sep-07 that it will soon bring its Sydney to Kuala Lumpur services to daily.
Furthermore, with its first B787s due to arrive in Aug-08, the carrier is looking for an Asian base out of which to offer its European services, which it anticipates launching by 2009.
By stating that Kuala Lumpur could be its launch point for operations to such European destinations as Athens and Rome, Jetstar is perhaps sending a signal to AirAsia X (which, owing to its use of range-handicapped A330 equipment, would be unable to reach European destinations without a technical stop) that it should not over-serve the Australian market. Mooting an intercontinental base in Singapore is similarly perhaps aimed at Tiger and its 49% owner, Singapore Airlines.
Jetstar, which will initially use its B787s to serve Japanese destinations, has not made any firm plans for its European services, although Rome and Athens are firmly in the frame. However, with the announcements, it has signalled its willingness to use aggressive aircraft deployments to protect its home market.
Date posted: 13-Sep-07
Other Jetstar News |
Asian LCC sector competition heats up as Jetstar eyes Europe services via Asia 
