Jetstar Japan, one of Japan’s newest low-cost carriers (LCC), has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320 aircraft in Toulouse, France. The Japanese carrier will start commercial services in July operating from Narita to Kansai, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa with an initial fleet of three aircraft. This fleet will grow to 24 aircraft within three years.

Jetstar Japan’s A320s are configured in a high comfort all economy layout with 180 seats. Each aircraft is powered by IAE V2500 engines.

“We are extremely happy to take delivery of our brand new Airbus A320. With its wider seats and more spacious cabin than the competition, we are positioned to provide better value that our customers will appreciate as well as fast turnarounds, which is key to our business model,” Jetstar Japan President Miyuki Suzuki said. “We aim to become the number one LCC in the Japanese market, and the A320 will help us achieve our goals.”

“We are delighted to welcome Jetstar Japan as our newest Airbus operator. The A320 has the widest most comfortable cabin and the best performance of any single-aisle aircraft. Passengers love it and operators love it too,” said Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers John Leahy. “The A320 is already the aircraft of choice in Asia with some 80 per cent market share in the LCC market.”

Jetstar Japan, established in 2011, is a joint venture between the Qantas Group, Japan Airlines (JAL), Mitsubishi Corporation and Century Tokyo Leasing Corporation. Jetstar Japan’s Airbus fleet is from an order for 110 A320 Family aircraft placed by the Qantas Group in October 2011.

Airbus press release