Jetstar defends check-in policy
AAP
Jetstar defends check-in policy
July 22, 2004 - 7:14PM
Jetstar's chief executive defended the budget airline's strict 30-minute check-in rule, calling the carrier a huge success after two months of flying.
Speaking to the National Aviation Press Club, Alan Joyce said ticket sales for Jetstar, which on Thursday celebrated carrying its 500,000th passenger, were strong and the public had embraced the low-cost airline.
Mr Joyce acknowledged criticism of the airline's 30-minute check in policy in the first weeks of operation, after some passengers tried to check in only a few minutes inside the half an hour cut-off point and missed flights.
But he said the rule was allowing Australia's newest budget airline to deliver the very best customer service standards.
"For too long on too many domestic flights, the nature of a delayed flight due to the actions of a few over the majority already on an aircraft awaiting departure has impacted airlines," Mr Joyce said.
"Jetstar is committed to ensure that the majority of our customers that arrive on time are not inconvenienced by the few that are late.
"Our on time results to date reflect that policy.
Late take offs, he said, could impact on the cost of Jetstar in many ways, such as loss of slot access into busy capital city airports like Sydney and the likelihood of excess fuel burn in mid air for late departing flights awaiting clearance to land.
"This is the untold side of this story," Mr Joyce said.
He stressed all airlines had a close out policy, although the check-in time varied.
He admitted there were still challenges ahead for the airline.
This week, Jetstar announced it had begun trading at a profit after just two months of operation.
The company is forecasting a small profit for the month of July.
Results have been in line with expectations, would be included in parent company Qantas' full year profit results to be announced on July 19.
Currently, the company is operating at 76 per cent capacity, with ticket sales strong.
This week Jetstar also launched its first A320 Airbus.
© 2004 AAP
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