Qantas to Sell Entire Stake in Jetstar Japan by Mid-2027 for $52 Million
Deal expected to be completed by June 2027. The Qantas Group has signed a binding agreement to divest its entire shareholding in low-cost operator Jetstar Japan, in a deal valued at around Y8.2 billion ($52 million). The agreement sees Qantas sell its 33.3% stake in Jetstar Japan through a share buyback, with the Development Bank of Japan entering as a new shareholder. Majority shareholder Japan Airlines will retain its 50% shareholding, as will financial services firm Tokyo Century. The share buy-back transaction is expected to be completed by June 2027, states Qantas. Jetstar Japan will "refresh" its brand from Jetstar to a new brand, and will transition to a "Japanese capital-led ownership structure". The group notes there will be "no impact" on the existing international operations between Australia and Japan operated by mainline carrier Qantas and low-cost airline Jetstar Airways. "The transaction will allow the Qantas Group to redirect capital investment towards Qantas and Jetstar's domestic and international operations in Australia," it adds. The deal was first announced in February this year, when Qantas and JAL signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for the transaction. Jetstar Japan began operations in 2012 as one of several international Jetstar units. It currently has a fleet of Airbus A321neos and A320s.