Qantas Airlines today announced "New Spirit" its restructuring programme aimed at bringing back the airline to profitability.
Key points include
- Launch of a new full service carrier based in Asia, effectively to tap the Chinese market. The airline has also stated that it will be analysing the possibility of a closer relationship with Malaysia Airlines. Malaysia Airlines is now partly owned by AirAsia, the latter which is also a partner of jetStar, the Qantas' LCC arm. While this sounds like the new carrier will be based in Malaysia, it is a much bigger possibility that the carrier will actually be based in Hong Kong, which is home to oneworld member Cathay Pacific.
- Jetstar Japan will be launched in partnership with JAL and Mitsubishi Corporation. The carrier plans to launch with three A320 aircraft.
- Up to 110 Airbus A320 aircraft to be ordered to fund jetStar's expansion.
- Airbus A380 deliveries will be deferred with only two more aircraft to arrive by 2013.
Major route network changes
- Buenos Aires route to be cancelled.
- Australia-London services will be only flown via Singapore.
Keep an eye on Flightglobal for further coverage.
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