The new Jetstar-AirAsia alliance could examine the formation of a new leasing company based around their older Airbus A320 aircraft.

"This is an interesting option for us," says Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia, who adds that the venture would have to overcome tax issues. Given that the companies operate a large fleet of A320s, it would enable them to provide easy access to spares and overcome other issues, he adds.

Between them the two carriers operate a total of 166 A320-200 aircraft with 162 on order, according to Flightglobal's ACAS database. AirAsia operates 48 A320-200 aircraft with 105 on order, and Jetstar Australia operates 32 A320-200s with 57 on order. Singapore-based Jetstar Asia operates six A320-200s.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news