Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Jetstar Japan to launch Kansai hub from June.

Jetstar Japan (GK/JJP) intends to launch its long-awaited Osaka/Kansai (KIX/RJBB) hub from June, according to a plan submitted to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) earlier this month. The Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA)-based LCC initially plans to base three Airbus A320s along with 80 pilots, cabin attendants, and maintenance crews at the airport which also serves as a hub for rival LCC Peach Aviation (MM/APJ).
Airbus A320-232(SL) JA08JJ taxies at Oita. (Photo: Jetstar Japan)

Summer 2014 schedule adjustments were announced on April 21st, operating up to 94 daily flights from that month, on condition that the hub launch is approved. A previously-released timetable (Jetstar Japan releases Summer 2014 schedule.) listed up to 76 daily flights. Frequencies will be increased from Kansai to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF) and Okinawa/Naha (OKA/ROAH), as well as from Narita to Fukuoka, Naha, Kansai, and Takamatsu (TAK/RJOT).

Frequency increases:
Kansai – Fukuoka from 1 to up to 2 with 32A/320. *From Jun/6.
Kansai – Naha from 1 to up to 3 with 32A/320. *From Jun/3.
Narita – Fukuoka from 5 to up to 7 with 32A/320. *From Jun/3.
Narita – Naha from 3 to up to 5 with 32A/320. *From Jun/6.
Narita – Kansai from 4 to up to 6 with 32A/320. *From Jun/1.
Narita – Takamatsu from 2 to up to 3 with 32A/320. *From Jul/18.

I have omitted posting Jetstar Japan's timetable since their flight numbers, departure/arrival times, and frequencies vary depending on the period and day. Please refer to their Summer 2014 Timetable for details.

After posting hefty losses and delaying its Kansai hub launch five times due to the shortage of maintenance crews, Jetstar Japan has been capping its fleet at 18 A320s, of which at least four currently sit on the ground at any given time. Regional international flights are being talked about for launch from later this year, after the Kansai hub is up and running. The Japanese affiliate of Australia's Jetstar Airways (JQ/JST) is owned 33.3% by Qantas Airways (QF/QFA), 33.3% by Japan Airlines (JL/JAL), 16.7% by Mitsubishi, and 16.7% by Century Tokyo Leasing.

Source: Jetstar Japan, April 21st. (PDF; in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, April 22nd. (in Japanese) 

*Post edited/updated on April 22nd.

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