The Macquarie-controlled Sydney Airport reckons Jetstar International won't be the only international low-cost carrier flying into Sydney within the next two years
The chief executive of Sydney Airport, Max Moore-Wilton, said yesterday he was confident several budget Asian carriers could soon turn their attention to the east coast of Australia.
"Once they get their short-haul strategy in place I'm sure they will look at markets like Australia," Mr Moore-Wilton said. "Sydney of course will be the place their people will look. I think it's an absolute certainty."
Mr Moore-Wilton said he would not be surprised if Sydney saw its first foreign low-cost carrier as soon as next year.
The budget airline Tiger Airways, part owned by Singapore Airlines, has already started flights into Darwin. But Tiger and the other key low-cost carriers across Asia such as AirAsia and Air Deccan would be stretched to reach Sydney in the foreseeable future, given they have fleets of short-haul jets (Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s).
However, no-frills Asian carriers have already shown interest in the Australian east coast. Before it was gobbled up by Jetstar Asia, Singapore's Valuair expressed interest in leasing long-haul jets so it could reach Sydney.
Hong Kong low-cost start-up Oasis has been cited as one airline which could fly into Sydney, given it plans to have long-haul Boeing 747-400s in its fleet. The airline hopes to become Asia's and possibly the world's first long-haul, low-cost airline, launching in mid-2006. Oasis plans to launch services to London, Cologne, Berlin, Milan, Oakland and Chicago.
Viva Macau has been cited as another low-cost start-up to one day launch services into Sydney from the Chinese gambling enclave. It plans to order longer-range Boeing 787s or Airbus A350s.
Meanwhile, Mr Moore-Wilton declined to comment on expectations he will finish up at the airport when his contract expires next month. "All I can say is that discussions have been taking place," he said.
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The business travel market between China, southeastern Asia and Australia is expected to become heavly travelled. Qantas is hoping to capitalize on this by beginning service of their off shoot low cost carrier, Jetstar by starting international service to select Asian cities in which Qantas has faced increased competition from Asia's LCCs. Qantas recently signed a deal with both Airbus and Boeing to purchase Airbus A320s and Boeing 787s.
However, flying the 8 plus hours in an all economy or in a leisure travellers laid out cabin is not my idea of fun. Thirty-two or thirty-three inches of legroom is not a pleasant thing. Not having those on demand movies and entertainment is also a draw back. However, a decreased ticket price by 300 dollars could be tempting.
Sydney Morning Herald
Jetstar Australia
Tiger Airways
Sydney Kingsford-Smith International Airport
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