Air Transport

Qantas Airways' low-cost subsidiary Jetstar will take another four Airbus A330-200s on six-year leases to cater to its long-haul market.

The first aircraft will be delivered in November 2010 and it could add a fifth leased A330 later, says Qantas. Jetstar has a fleet of six A330-200s, and this will increase to seven in December.

"A key component of the [Qantas] group's growth strategy is its significant fleet renewal program," says Qantas CEO Alan Joyce after releasing the airline's financial results.

Delays to Boeing's 787 programme have resulted in the need to consider "medium term options to support new long haul market opportunities for Jetstar", he adds.

"Jetstar's growth is an important part of our two brand strategy, and these new aircraft will support the airline's growth across its international network which covers Australia, South East Asia and the Asia Pacific ahead of the delivery of the Qantas group's first 787-9," says Joyce.

Jetstar has 58 Airbus A320s and 15 787-9s on order, according to Flightglobal's ACAS database.

Qantas says that Jetstar made a profit before tax of A$137 million for the year to 30 June, up 18% from a year before. This included results from Singapore-based Jetstar Asia and its New Zealand operations.