Jetstar announces Ground Handling Contract

Jetstar announced today that Express Ground Handling, a new Qantas subsidiary business, will provide ramp and baggage handling services to the new low cost carrier when it commences flying in May.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer, Alan Joyce, said the performance driven contract would cover ramp services at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane Airports. Arrangements for other ports were still to be finalised.

"Since Jetstar launched its livery and identity in December last year, a great deal of work has been done ahead of our first flight in May," Mr Joyce said.

"This has included contracting a number of service providers to work with us across our operations.

"Jetstar intends to set new Australian benchmarks for aircraft turn times and Qantas clearly has a great deal of experience when it comes to providing first class ramp and baggage handling services."

Mr Joyce said Jetstar would also undertake its own customer service handling at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane airports, with arrangements for other ports still being finalised.

Jetstar is expected to announce its route network and fare structure in the second half of February.