• Jetstar Pacific welcomes additional A320 aircraft
• Key step in creating an all-A320 fleet for the Vietnam-based carrier
• More efficient aircraft expected to help reduce costs

Vietnam-based Jetstar Pacific has taken the next step in its fleet renewal program with another A320 aircraft joining its fleet this month.

The additional aircraft will bring Jetstar Pacific’s fleet of A320s to three and allow the retirement of a B737-400 aircraft. The airline’s four remaining B737 aircraft are planned to be phased out by early 2013 as the carrier prepares to grow to an all-A320 fleet of up to 15 aircraft.

In February this year, a new partnership structure was announced for what is Vietnam’s only low fares airline. The Qantas Group increased its shareholding to 30 per cent share and Vietnam Airlines replaced the State Capital Investment Corporation as the majority shareholder with 68 per cent.

Jetstar Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said Jetstar Pacific’s fleet renewal program was a key priority for the new partnership.

“A more modern fleet will deliver significant cost improvements in terms of fuel efficiency and maintenance. There are also some significant economies of scale advantages across the Jetstar Group from having the same aircraft type for all our short haul flying,” said Ms Hrdlicka.

“We’re focused on delivering a consistent customer experience across all Jetstar-branded airlines, particularly with the growing number of passengers connecting on our different networks, and a common aircraft type is part of that.

“Vietnam is an important part of the Jetstar Group’s expansion plans across Asia Pacific and holds tremendous opportunity for expanding leisure travel as one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world,” added Ms Hrdlicka.

Earlier this year, the Qantas Group-Vietnam Airlines partnership injected approximately AUD$25million into Jetstar Pacific, including approximately $7.5 million from Qantas.

The two A320s delivered to Jetstar Pacific were sourced through leasing company, Aviation Capital Group.

According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), Vietnam will become the world’s second fast growing aviation market for domestic passengers by 2014.