Jetstar Japan has taken delivery of its 10th A320, the 100th Airbus aircraft delivered to carriers in a country that has long been a stronghold of rival Boeing.
Airbus said its growing footprint in Japan had been driven by low-cost carriers. Along with Jetstar, AirAsia Japan and Peach Aviation both operate all-Airbus fleets. The partly Qantas-owned Jetstar Japan plans to expand its fleet to 24 A320s by the end of next year.
Airbus delivered its first aircraft to a Japanese carrier in 1980 but until recently had struggled to gain a real foothold in the country. However, the company said it would deliver 28 A320s to four Japanese carriers this year, building on 16 deliveries last year.
“With 100 per cent market share, Airbus aircraft clearly are the preferred choice for Japanese low cost carriers” said John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, customers. “We are delighted to celebrate Japan’s 100th Airbus aircraft delivery milestone with Jetstar Japan, underlining the values that the A320 brings to this market segment.”
