Jetstar Asia and Qantas Freight announce cargo tie up

Qantas Freight and low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia have entered into a new partnership covering the Singapore-based airline’s cargo capacity.

The deal will see Qantas Freight manage Jetstar Asia’s cargo capacity across 23 stations in 13 markets from November 20.

The Singapore-hubbed airline has a fleet of 18 Airbus A320 aircraft, each with a capacity of around two and a half tonnes per flight.

It handled around 17,000 tonnes of cargo in the year to June 2019.

Jetstar Asia chief executive Barathan Pasupathi said: “With a reliable schedule of services to 23 ports from Singapore, the new partnership will ensure our customers enjoy wider connectivity and more direct access through our integrated Qantas Group network of more than 110 markets in Australia, Asia, Europe and the US.

“As the only low fares airline operating services from Singapore to numerous Asia-Pacific destinations like Okinawa, Darwin, Medan and Siem Reap, Qantas freight customers will also benefit from direct access to fresh markets previously unavailable to them.”

Qantas Freight executive manager Paul Jones added: “We are excited to partner with Jetstar Asia and build on our strong relationship. Qantas Freight’s extensive network into, out of, and around Australia, Europe and the US, combined with Jetstar Asia’s strong coverage in Asia-Pacific will offer great opportunity for our freight customers.

“By joining forces, we will improve efficiencies for the Group, offer greater flexibility and leverage synergies while unlocking value for our freight customers by offering more connections. This partnership will provide a more streamlined freight journey through Asia,Australia, Europe and the US.”

Australia’s Qantas holds a 49% stake in Jetstar Asia.

In 2016, Jetstar Asia appointed ECS Group Asia Pacific as its  general sales agent (GSA) for the airline’s freight business through Singapore Changi Airport and other stations across its network in Asia.