VietNamNet Bridge - Jetstar Pacific’s general manager said two major shareholders - Vietnam Airlines and Qantas (Australia) - would invest $139 million to purchase more aircraft from now to 2020.

Mr. Le Hong Ha, CEO of Jetstar Pacific, told the media on April 20 that after years of losses, in 2015 the airline earned pre-tax profit of VND267 million ($18,000). In the first quarter of 2016, the number of passengers increased by 45-47% compared to the same period in 2015. At present the firm operates 15 aircraft, six more than last year.

Ha said, in the period 2016-2020, two shareholders Vietnam Airlines and Qantas Group pledged to invest $139 million to help Jetstar restructure and expand its fleet to 30 aircraft by 2020.

In the next five years, Jetstar Pacific will continue to maintain and develop, and ensure competition in the low-cost segment.

Mr. Trinh Ngoc Thanh - Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines – also said that in the first quarter of 2016, the number of passengers on domestic flights increased by up 34%, suggesting that the market is growing strongly. Since early this year, local airlines have offered many promotions and the average ticket price has dropped by 20%.

Nam Nguyen