Jetstar’s HK Launch Delayed

Jetstar has announced that its Hong Kong airline launch may have to be delayed until the end of 2013. The airline company said the delays are brought about by overseas regulatory approval.

The delay is not good news for Jetstar as the competition in the Chinese region intensifies. China Southern airlines has just announcement that it is offering stand-alone flights that would come from Sydney to London. The prices are believed to much lower than those offered by Qantas, the parent company of Jetstar.

According to Jayne Hrdlicka, the chief executive of Jetstar, said the government takeovers in Hong Kong and China have been major factors in the delay of the HK airline launch. The chief executive said things have become more difficult now that the new cabinets are setting up offices, applying new policies and positions.

Hrdlicka, however, said the approval seems to be underway. She reiterated her confidence that the airline would start flying by the end of the year.

Its Hong Kong airline first sought approval for its operating license last July.