Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Twelve months ago, Jetstar took to the skies for the first time carrying 8,000 passengers between 13 ports in what was one of the world`s biggest first day launches in aviation history.

One year on, the low fares airline has confirmed continual growth of the network over the next 12 months including confirmation of Trans-Tasman flying by the end of 2005.

In addition, Jetstar has announced that in line with the roll out of planned on-board improvements, the introduction of digEplayerTM - portable ``video on demand`` units - will take place later this month with hot food to be added to the on-board pay as you go menu a few weeks following.

Magda Szubanski, the face of the airline in her role as ``Julie Jetstar`` will also continue her association for at least the next two years.

Jetstar today operates up to 900 flights weekly on 31 existing point to point routes and is now 2 ½ times its original operational size.

Jetstar Chief Executive Alan Joyce said whilst over 4 million passengers carried in the carrier`s first year was above expectation, the low fares airline is on track to maintain growth, momentum and profitability.

``We posted $19 million EBIT or pre-tax profit earnings at the 2005 financial half year and we remain on track for a sound full year performance, positively contributing to the Qantas Group`s overall level of profitability,`` Mr Joyce said.

``To be in this healthy position after our first full year of services is very rewarding for the whole company. I congratulate our staff for their efforts and I thank the people of Australia who have travelled with Jetstar in the past twelve months and supported our services.

``Passenger growth on a number of the routes Jetstar now services has climbed by over 300 per cent - which has delivered untold benefits to domestic and regional tourism.

``Jetstar is now well placed for further growth in the coming year including expansion onto the Trans Tasman by year`s end, and introducing our low fares services to more Australian destinations.``

Mr Joyce confirmed Jetstar`s commitment to some Trans-Tasman flying by the end of the 2005 calendar year at an address to the National Aviation Press Club in Sydney yesterday.

Details of commercial plans including network, pricing and marketing of future Jetstar services on the Trans Tasman will be unveiled in early August.

Before month`s end Jetstar will be also be the first domestic operator in Australia to introduce the digEplayerTM portable ``video on demand`` in flight entertainment systems. Initial content will include Oscar winning movies such as Million Dollar Baby, Sideways , and favourites such as The Incredibles , Ice Age and There`s Something About Mary . TV Shows will include Kath and Kim, Friends, The Simpsons and The Office.

DigEplayerTM units will be progressively offered on Airbus A320 services from 31 May.

Mr Joyce said one of Jetstar`s first year highlights was the successful introduction of a new fleet of Airbus A320s – the future of the Jetstar fleet. Jetstar now operates eight A320s increasing to 10 by July. Jetstar will operate an all A320 fleet of 23 aircraft by mid-2006.

New daily A320 services will commence on Sydney-Ballina Byron from 12 July and along with an innovative 3 times weekly Sydney-Hervey Bay / Fraser Coast service from 29 July taking Jetstar`s network to 17 destinations.

DigEplayersTM and hot food offerings are part of an ongoing improvement of Jetstar on-board product and follows the airline`s introduction of Qantas Frequent Flyer points and Status credits for JetFlex purchasers.

Today also marks the final day of Jetstar`s largest sale to date -the One Million First Birthday Sale. The sale ends at midnight (Wednesday 25 May) with fares from $29.

``In our short history, we believe have continued to be the low fares leader - a position we are determined to maintain,`` Mr Joyce said.

For more details on the sale, visit www.jetstar.com . Special sale terms and conditions apply, see below.

Some Jetstar milestones over first operational year (25 May 2004 – 25 May 2005)

2004

• 25 February Commercial launch (launched with $29 fares - 15 million web hits in the first day) - 95,000 seats sold in the first day

• 25 May First flight - 96 services to 13 destinations - one of the largest ever first day airline launches in the world

• 1 June First flight from Melbourne Avalon Airport - Jetstar first to open a secondary airport in Australia

• 5 July JetSMS booking service goes live

• 20 July Launch of first two new Airbus A320s

• 8 September Jetstar carries one millionth passenger

• 1 October Announces 100 + new weekly services . 800 total flights weekly

• 20 December Launch of first time domestic service Launceston-Brisbane

2005

• 5 January First flight Cairns-Melbourne. Jetstar`s A320 fleet rises to 6 aircraft

• 17 January First flight Cairns-Sydney

• 1 February First Adelaide services. Daily directs to Avalon, Hobart & Gold Coast.

• 1 March JetFlex passengers to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points & Status Credits

• 15 April Jetstar announces 1/3 rd flights boost to Newcastle . Inc. Gold Coast service

• 18 May Launch of biggest Jetstar - 1 million seats from $29

• 25 May Jetstar`s first anniversary

• 1 June First Anniversary of services at Melbourne Avalon Airport

• 2 June Inaugural service between Adelaide and Cairns . First Jetstar A320 for Adelaide