Qantas Exits Jetstar Japan in 8.2 Billion Yen Deal

Qantas Airways signed a binding agreement to exit Jetstar Japan by selling its 33.32% stake through a share buyback transaction valued at 8.2 billion yen, or approximately $52 million. The deal is expected to close by June 2027, subject to regulatory approval, and will allow the Australian airline to redirect capital toward its core domestic and international operations.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Development Bank of Japan will join as a new shareholder, while Japan Airlines and Tokyo Century Corporation will maintain their existing holdings. As a result of the transition to a Japanese capital-led ownership structure, Jetstar Japan will drop the Jetstar brand and adopt a new identity.

Qantas anticipates a gain of approximately A$115 million in items outside underlying earnings, primarily occurring in fiscal 2027. The airline confirmed that its codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines and existing flights between Australia and Japan will remain unchanged.