JETSTAR Pacific has added another Airbus A320 aircraft as part of its ongoing fleet renewal programme.

The new plane will boost the Vietnam-based low-cost carrier’s fleet of A320s to three, and facilitate the retirement of a Boeing B737-400. It hopes to eventually phase out its four remaining B737s by early 2013, and switch to an all-A320 fleet of up to 15 planes.

The fleet rejuvenation exercise is a key priority for the new partnership between The Qantas Group and Vietnam Airlines, which own 30 and 68 per cent of Jetstar Pacific, respectively. The two bodies poured A$25 million (US$26 million) into the carrier earlier this year.

"A more modern fleet will deliver significant cost improvements in terms of fuel efficiency and maintenance," said Jetstar Group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka.

"There are also some significant economies of scale advantages across the Jetstar Group from having the same aircraft type for all our shorthaul flying." 

She added: “Vietnam is an important part of the Jetstar Group’s expansion plans across Asia-Pacific, and holds tremendous opportunity for expanding leisure travel as one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world."