Qantas Airways will take four additional A330-200 aircraft on six-year leases to enable long-haul international growth for its subsidiary Jetstar.

Qantas chief executive officer Alan Joyce said that Jetstar’s growth is an important part of its brand strategy.

“These new aircraft will support the airline’s growth across its international network which covers Australia, South-East Asia and Asia Pacific,” he said.

Qantas is also considering a fifth leased A330-200 for operation by Jetstar.

Presently, Jetstar operates a fleet of six A330-200s that will increase to seven in December 2009 and further to 11 with the delivery of the new two-class, 303-seat aircraft in November 2010.

The first A330-200 aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in November 2010.