From Europe to the Americas to Asia, budget carriers are making record profits at a time when their full-service rivals suffer losses, and in some cases, bankruptcy. Flush with cash, customers and a clear growth trajectory, low-cost carriers have started flexing their newfound muscles.

Australia's Jetstar Airways and Malaysia's AirAsia, partners in a strategic alliance, say they want plane makers to design aircraft to suit their special needs. They both have a very similar view about what they want, namely, planes designed for flying over water and for Asia's unique terrain. They also want larger overhead storage bins, and a design that will help speed up turnaround times.

Jetstar and AirAsia have approached plane makers Airbus and Boeing with their ideas.




Contributed by: Our Special Correspondent
City: Oxford
Country: England
Date: March 24, 2010
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