Jetstar to tackle V Australia on Fiji route

Qantas Group has applied to the International Air Services Commission for 1,491 seats for services to Fiji, to launch daily Jetstar Sydney-Nadi service from Apr-2010 (The Australian/Sydney Morning Herald, 01-Sep-09). The move has further stimulated rumours Qantas is looking to sell its 51% stake in Air Pacific. If approved, the move would block Virgin Blue's plans to launch daily V Australia service on the route. Virgin Blue has applied for 1,260 seats for Fiji operations, while also planning to transfer a further 1,260 seats from Pacific Blue on the route to V Australia. Both carriers have been requested by the Commission to justify their plans based on public benefits by 08-Sep-09.