JETSTAR TO TRAIN PILOTS TO MEET DEMAND

By Neville D'Cruz

MELBOURNE, June 2 (Bernama) -- Low-cost carrier Jetstar Airways has teamed
up with two pilot schools as the airline pushes ahead with its expansion plans.

The training programme with Oxford Aviation Academy in Melbourne and CTC
Aviation Group in Hamilton, New Zealand, was announced at Moorabbin Airport
here on Wednesday.

Jetstar Executive Manager Operations Mark Dal Pra told reporters the
airline's fleet was set to grow from the existing 60-odd aircraft to more than
100 by 2013-14.

This included adding eight Airbus A320s in the next six months, with an A330
due to arrive in December followed by another in January next year.

The airline has also flagged plans to operate long-haul services to Europe
and North Asia from its Singaporean base later this year, with specific routes
and destinations expected to be unveiled soon.

The expansion needed additional pilots and those that come through the
specially tailored course will also be taught about Jetstar's operations.

Up to 70 pilots are expected to come through the first year of the
programme, to begin in July, and increase in future years.

The airline anticipates about 20,000 applications.

-- BERNAMA