It makes sense that the arrival of the A321neoLRs will allow older A320s to be sent to Network. It is a little strange (perhaps concerning) that 2 will leave the JQ fleet 6-9 months before the first Neo is due to arrive. Perhaps the soon to be implemented pairing optimiser is predicted to get sufficient hours out of the remaining airframes to cover the lost aircraft (with the exception of CHC-SYD).
The word is that the 18 A321neoLRs will lead to roughly 6 extra airframes in the JQ fleet, with approximately the 12 oldest to be pushed out (the aircraft which did not receive the new 186 seat config).
Today’s announcement continues to confirm the theory that many of the JQ A320 CEOs will find their way to Network.