Japan Airlines president and group CEO Mitsuko Tottori said the new structure would position Jetstar Japan for sustainable long-term growth at an expanding Narita Airport.
“We are delighted to announce this new beginning for Jetstar Japan alongside DBJ and Tokyo Century,” Tottori said. “We also extend our deepest gratitude to Qantas for their 14-year partnership in establishing and developing the LCC market in Japan.”
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the airline was proud of Jetstar Japan’s role in shaping Japan’s low-cost aviation sector.
“We’re incredibly proud of the pioneering role Jetstar Japan has played in the low-cost aviation sector in Japan and sincerely thank our Jetstar team members for their unwavering commitment,” Hudson said. “We’re confident the new ownership structure will deliver greater value to customers.”
Next phase of growth
The transaction will set Jetstar Japan up for its next phase of growth in Japan and also allow the Qantas Group to focus its ongoing capital investment into Qantas and Jetstar’s domestic and international operations in Australia.
The Narita-based low-cost carrier, which has operated for almost 14 years, will continue business as usual during the transition, with no changes to flight schedules, customer bookings or existing codeshare arrangements with Qantas, Jetstar Airways and JAL.
Qantas currently holds 33.32 per cent of Jetstar Japan’s voting rights, with JAL holding 50 per cent and Tokyo Century 16.68 per cent. The current shareholding and governance structure will remain in place until a definitive agreement is signed and the transaction is completed.
The proposed ownership change will see Qantas refocus its resources on its core Australian operations, including Qantas and Jetstar Airways, as the group progresses the largest fleet renewal program in its history.
Jetstar Japan CEO Masakazu Tanaka confirmed the airline would continue operating independently as an LCC, with employment for staff maintained and a renewed focus on international growth.
Following the completion of the divestment, Jetstar Japan plans to refresh its brand, transitioning away from the Jetstar name to a new identity aimed at strengthening its position as a leading Japanese low-cost carrier.
The airline also intends to expand its international network from Narita, capitalising on inbound tourism demand and supporting regional revitalisation by directing travellers to regional destinations across Japan.
“We’ve built an amazing airline over nearly 14 years, carrying more than 55 million customers,” Tanaka said. “Our people are the heart of our airline, and I look forward to leading them into our next phase of growth.”
A final shareholders’ agreement and brand transition is tentatively scheduled for July 2026, with a new brand to be announced in October 2026. Completion of the share transfer and brand transition is expected by June 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.
