Jetstar Asia takes off with fleet renewal program

• Jetstar Asia to receive six new A320s
• Fleet rejuvenation expected to bring fuel and cost savings
• First Singapore carrier to introduce A320s with state-of-the-art "Sharklets"

Jetstar Asia has received the first of six new A320s as part of a fleet rejuvenation program, giving it one of the youngest fleets of any Singapore-based airline.

Five of the brand new aircraft will replace older A320s in the Jetstar Asia fleet. An additional aircraft will see the overall fleet grow to 17 A320s, representing a net increase of one.

Combined, the six new aircraft have an approximate value of US$530 million at list prices (June 2012).

Upon full delivery of all six aircraft by February 2013, Jetstar Asia's fleet of A320s will have an average age of just three years.

Jetstar Asia CEO Barathan Pasupathi said operating a modern fleet was essential for the airline to continue into its next phase of growth.

"Maintaining a young fleet of A320s translates to significant cost savings, and operational improvements, thereby allowing us to offer a superior travel experience at consistently low fares," he said.

"This investment reflects Jetstar's commitment to its Singapore hub, where we continue to grow routes and improve connections for our customers travelling within Asia Pacific."

One of the new A320 aircraft will be fitted with Airbus 'Sharklets', state-of-the-art fuel-saving wingtip devices which can reduce the amount of fuel burn by up to four per cent.

Jetstar Asia expects to be the first Singapore-based airline, and also the first in the Jetstar Group, to operate A320s with the Sharklet wingtips.

The saving in fuel burn translates to a reduction of C02 emissions of an estimated 1,000 tonnes per year for each aircraft. Sharklets can also improve take-off performance and provide superior payload range compared to non-Sharklet A320s*.

"Investing in aircraft innovation is core to the Jetstar model and our ability to continually improve operational performance and our cost base," Mr Pasupathi said.

The six leased aircraft are taken from the existing Qantas Group fleet procurement arrangements for A320s, announced in August 2011.

Other Jetstar airlines are also on track to receive new A320s fitted with Sharklets in 2013.