Fuji Dream Airlines' tenth Embraer E-Jet is Silver.

On March 5th, Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] took delivery of Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA10FJ, their 10th aircraft. Painted and named Silver, it features the Brazilian manufacturer's Fuel Burn Improvement Package 2, as on their ninth airframe Gold (Fuji Dream's ninth Embraer E-Jet is Gold.). It boasts new wingtips and several other minor aerodynamic changes such as wheel caps and auxiliary power unit (APU) air inlet improvements, resulting in a 5.5% reduction in fuel burn. Other changes include new LED navigation lights.

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA10FJ Silver is greeted by Fuji Dream employees upon arrival at Nagoya's Komaki Airport on March 9th. (Photo: Fuji Dream Airlines)

The 84-seat aircraft departed São José dos Campos [SJK/SBSJ] on the same day and touched down at the airline's Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA] hub four days later on March 9th at 1552 JST, flying a similar route as their eighth (Fuji Dream Airlines receives eighth E-Jet 'Tea Green'.) and ninth airframes. On the way, it made stops at Natal [NAT/SBNT], Sal [SID/GVAC], Almeria [LEI/LEAM], Larnaca [LCA/LCLK], Dubai/Al Maktoum [DWC/OMDW], Kolkata/Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose [CCU/VECC], Can Tho [VCA/VVCT], and Kaohsiung [KHH/RCKH]. Total flight time was 32 hours and 40 minutes, traveling over 21,700 kilomters (13,500 miles).

The inaugural revenue flight for Silver took place on March 11th as JH355 from Komaki to Hanamaki [HNA/RJSI]. It flew the return leg to Komaki as JH356 and was then assigned to Kitakyushu [KKJ/RJFR] and back on flights JH407/408. While their ninth airframe was used to open up new markets to Izumo [IZO/RJOC] and Kitakyushu in March 2015 (Fuji Dream launches Izumo and Kitakyushu.), their 10th will be used to increase frequency in existing markets, with up to 34 daily round-trips scheduled, an increase from 29 for Summer 2015. It will also be utilized to increase its growing charter business, which accounted for 1,050 of Fuji Dream's flights in FY2015.

Summer 2016 Schedule Changes (effective Mar/27):
Komaki –  Aomori increase from 2 to 3 daily.
Komaki – Hanamaki increase from 3 to 4 daily.
Komaki – Izumo increase from 1 to 2 daily. (from Jul/1)
Komaki – Kochi increase from 1 to 2 daily.
Komaki – Yamagata increase from 1 to 2 daily.
Shizuoka – Kagoshima daily maintained. (3 weekly in Summer 2015)
Shizuoka – New Chitose NEW 5 weekly. (resumption)

Meanwhile, the Shizuoka-based regional carrier will be receiving its 11th E-Jet in June. Details regarding what roles it would play have not been officially released, however, President Yohei Suzuki has spoken of launching a base Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG], the newer and premier international airport serving the Chubu (Greater Nagoya) region, to launch midnight international charters to China, South Korea, and Taiwan, as well as start Chubu Centrair – Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] (Fuji Dream mulls Chubu – Narita and international charters.). The latter service would code-share with and feed overseas carriers flying into Narita, and Mr. Suzuki had admitted that discussions with multiple airlines are already taking place.

Source: Fuji Dream Airlines, 2016 January 20th. (in Japanese)
Source: Fuji Dream Airlines @ Facebook. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 March 9th. (in Japanese)

Fuji Dream to go daily on Shizuoka – Kagoshima.

On August 20th, Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) announced their Winter 2014/2015 schedule, effective October 26th. Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS) – Kagoshima (KOJ/RJFK) will be upgraded to a daily service, while flights to the snowy north will be reduced, with Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA) – Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) to be cut from three to two round-trips, and the four-times-weekly Shizuoka – Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) service suspended until summer next year.

Embraer ERJ170-100STD (E170) JA02FJ Light Blue at Fukuoka. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Frequency Increases:
Shizuoka – Kagoshima from 4 to 7 weekly.

Frequency Reductions:
Komaki – Aomori from 3 to 2 daily.

Suspensions:
Shizuoka – New Chitose 4 weekly. *To resume on Mar/29.  

The New Chitose round-trip from Shizuoka code-shares with Japan Airlines (JL/JAL), competing with All Nippon Airways' (NH/ANA) year-round daily flight operated by Boeing 737-800s.

Reference: Fuji Dream Airlines, August 20th. (PDF; in Japanese)

ANA returns to Aomori with Osaka and Sapporo flights.

On July 1st, All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) resumed scheduled service at Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) with three daily round-trips to and from Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO) and two to and from Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC). Operated by subsidiary ANA Wings' (EH/AKX) 74-seat Bombardier DHC-8-400Qs, the flights mark the return of now Japan's largest airline by passenger volume to Honshu's northernmost airport after a 11-year hiatus.

Bombardier DHC-8-402Q JA845A arriving at Aomori from Sapporo's New Chitose as NH1853 on July 1st, the inaugural day. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The inaugural flight out of Aomori, NH1852, service to Itami, was operated by DHC-8-402Q JA856A with a load of 73 passengers. The aircraft had been ferried in to Aomori the night before. Sistership JA853A became the first to arrive, as NH1851 from Itami, and was greeted by a water-cannon salute.

Flight schedule (July 1st - October 25th):
Osaka/Itami – Aomori NEW 3 daily with DHC-8-400Q. *Operated by ANA Wings.
NH1851 ITM 0815 – 1000 AOJ DH4 Daily
NH1853 ITM 1155 – 1340 AOJ DH4 Daily
NH1855 ITM 1910 – 2055 AOJ DH4 Daily
NH1852 AOJ 0805 – 1000 ITM DH4 Daily
NH1854 AOJ 1310 – 1505 ITM DH4 Daily
NH1856 AOJ 1740 – 1935 ITM DH4 Daily

Aomori – Sapporo/New Chitose NEW 2 daily with DHC-8-400Q. *Operated by ANA Wings.
NH1897 AOJ 1030 – 1120 CTS DH4 Daily
NH1899 AOJ 1510 – 1600 CTS DH4 Daily
NH1898 CTS 1150 – 1240 AOJ DH4 Daily
NH1900 CTS 1615 – 1705 AOJ DH4 Daily
 
A ceremony took place at Aomori Airport, attended by Aomori Prefecture Governor Shingo Mimura, Aomori City Governor Hiroshi Shikanai, and ANA's Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing Takashi Shiki. ANA President Osamu Shinobe visited Mr. Mimura one day before. "We've been waiting for this moment. We would like to strengthen our partnerships with the Kansai (Greater Osaka) region to promote tourism and help the route grow," said Mr. Mimura, adding "Ahead of that lies another big ambition," hoping for ANA's resumption of their Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) link. Mr. Shiki responded, "We have a big international network from Haneda now (ANA's Summer 2014 international expansion.). We also share the desire to open up Aomori's charm to the world."

The brand-new ANA counters at Aomori with celebration flower decorations. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

 
Aomori has seen turbulent times in recent years. In FY2003, its annual passenger number recorded 1.41 million, however, after the merger of Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) and Japan Air System (JD/JAS) was complete, ANA withdrew from Aomori in April that year, axing its link to Haneda and shifting the precious slots to more lucrative routes. Skymark Airlines (BC/SKY) briefly filled the vacancy but withdrew in November. JAL's financial woes forced the airline to cut its link to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF) in 2007 and Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) in 2010. Dealing a further blow, the opening of the super-efficient Shinkansen (bullet train) to Aomori in 2010 followed shortly by the 3.11 Great East Japan Earthquake reduced the number to merely 800,000 for FY2010.

The Nagoya link was restarted by Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) with service (CoachFlyer JH366: AOJ – NKM on Fuji Dream Airlines' Embraer E175.) to its older airport at Komaki (NKM/RJNA) in 2011. Other than the ANA and FDA flights, Aomori is served by Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) with three-times daily each to New Chitose and Itami (operated by J-Air), and six-times daily to Haneda, while Korean Air (KE/KAL) maintains a three-times weekly service to Seoul/Incheon (ICN/RKSI) (CoachFlyer KE768: AOJ - ICN on Korean Air's Boeing 737.), the prefecture's sole scheduled international route. Passenger numbers slightly increased to 850,000 for FY2013.

Arriving passengers were greeted by ANA banners promoting the Aomori launch. To the right is a miniature version of Aomori's renowned Nebuta. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

For ANA, the resumption is also a strategy to experiment potential markets in Japan's mature domestic market (at least at ANA/JAL's costs) where the population has started to decline. ANA's most recent new domestic destination was Iwakuni (IWK/RJOI) in eastern Yamaguchi Prefecture, when the joint U.S. Air Force (USAF) - Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) base was opened up for civilian flights in December 2012.

Aomori hopes ANA's comeback will boost demand. In 2011, when ANA entered the Akita (AXT/RJSK) – Itami market in competition with JAL, passengers carried on the route increased from 100,000 in FY2011 to 170,000 in FY2013. On the other hand, airports such as Yamaguchi-Ube (UBJ/RJDC) saw passengers decline after JAL entered the ANA-dominated market in FY2002; the figure was 960,000 for FY2003 but had decreased to 850,000 in FY2013. Prefecture officials hope it doesn't "end up with both carriers losing money and terminating the route," and JAL's Aomori Office chief Yutaka Fukuda said "There's certainly potential demand. But two carriers serving the route doesn't mean the market will grow overnight. We need to make efforts."

Aomori is one of the most beautiful and diverse prefectures of Japan, but remains an under-served and under-explored tourist destination. From the Hakkoda Mountains, which gets heavier annual snowfall than anywhere else in Japan, to the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakami-Sanchi, picturesque Lake Towada to the nature abundant Shimokita Peninsula, Aomori is filled with fascinating vast landscapes. On the culture side, it is home to the famous Nebuta festival, when the entire prefecture goes for celebration in August, as well as the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins, one of the oldest archaeological sites in Japan dating back to 3900 B.C., and much more. Food is no exception, with the Tsugaru cuisine and the Nanbu cuisine, and forget not the fresh fish (Sashimi and Sushi) from the surrounding seas and the herbs from the mountains. There are countless Onsens (public hot spring baths) as well. 

Reference: Yomiuri Shimbun, June 29th. (in Japanese)
Reference: Yomiuri Shimbun, July 2nd. (in Japanese) 

*Post edited/updated on July 5th.

CoachFlyer JH366: AOJ – NKM on Fuji Dream Airlines' Embraer E175.

Travel date: March 2014
Flight: JH366
Route: Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) – Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA)
Carrier: Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA)
Aircraft: Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA05FJ 'Orange'
Class: Economy
Direct distance: 692 km (430 miles)
Flight time: 1 hour 6 minutes

Blizzard was the weather when I had to take Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) from Aomori to Nagoya. It was around -6 degrees Celsius and the winds were very strong, with snow gusts often obstructing our front view while driving my car to the airport, prompting all drivers to travel at a much slower speed than usual. And with Aomori Airport (AOJ/RJSA) literally located on top of a mountain where snow and wind is worse, I was obviously worried if my airplane would be able to land.

Our Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA05FJ 'Orange' landing in snowy Aomori, with its thrust reversers deployed to good effect. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

I managed to arrive at the airport at 1530, briefly ahead of my flight JH366's scheduled departure time of 1610. FDA's flights at Aomori are handled by partner JAL, though they don't code-share on the Aomori route for complicated reasons. Upon checking in, I was notified that the airplane was still scheduled in to arrive, albeit a few minutes late. Baggage allowance is generous at three pieces per person and up to 15 kilograms per piece, though 600 JPY is charged for every one kilogram overweight. I went up to the observation deck only to see the strong blizzard, and made me worried even more hearing the announcement that JAL's flight from Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO), operated by commuter subsidiary J-Air (XM/JLJ), couldn't arrive and would be diverting to Sendai (SDJ/RJSS). But no announcement about FDA. 

A gallery showing how Aomori's 'White Impulse' snow plowers work. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Visibility was around 500 meters. I watched the threshold of Runway 24 closely, and as I was hoping it could arrive, an orange E-Jet suddenly appeared from the white sky and came in for a touchdown at 1553, throwing runway snow up in the air. Plagued with thick fog in the spring and blizzards in the winter, Aomori Airport was upgraded to ILS Category IIIa in 2007 and IIIb in 2012, one of only seven airports in Japan equipped so. I went down to the second floor and passed through security, where a huge crowd was waiting. The airport announced its decision to mobilize their 'White Impulse' airport snow-plowing team, and the plowing process would take 40 minutes. So our flight was given a new departure time of 1700, while JAL's flights to Itami and Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) were also delayed. Their flight to New Chitose was unfortunately canceled, as the aircraft from Itami could not arrive into the airport.

Our aircraft 'Orange' taxiing slowly to the gate. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Boarding started for our flight at 1645 starting with priority passengers; handicapped persons, pregnant mothers, and groups with small children. FDA doesn't offer a premium product, so soon after, all others were boarding. At 1651, the doors were closed, but were told that we had to wait for de-icing. While we were waiting, the cabin crew performed a manual safety demonstration, as there are no screens equipped on this aircraft, along with a recorded explanation in Japanese and English. After that, they handed out blankets. At 1705, Captain Tatsunami-san told us that we were in line for de-icing; JAL's flight to Haneda was first, then us, followed by J-Air's Itami flight. Everyone seemed to be reading a book or newspaper, or sleeping, and as we were waiting the two cabin attendants handed out handmade Baba-Seika candies from Shizuoka. Our turn for de-icing finally came at 1715, and finished in about 15 minutes. We were pushed back at 1731, and turning our engines on, we were moving on our own six minutes later heading for the threshold of Runway 24.

JAL is responsible for de-icing FDA's aircraft. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Thrust of the two General Electric CF34-8E engines were brought up, then the brakes were released, and 'Orange' took off at 1744 only using about 1,000 meters of the runway! After a bumpy climb we reached 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) in four minutes, and within minutes the seat-belt signs were turned off. In-flight service began around 1755. The two smiling flight attendants pushed their carts through the aircraft serving beverages from a choice of Shizuoka green tea, coffee, apple juice, and water, accompanied by a Chateraise one-bite snack. On morning flights, FDA serves croissants. With JAL only offering beverages, which are free, and ANA serving selected drinks for free but everything else at an additional cost, FDA reminds you of the days when flying was a little more enjoyable. 

Flying over Yamagata, viewing the sunset. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

About 25 minutes into the flight, Captain Tatsunami-san made his announcement apologizing for the delay and informing us that we were flying over Niigata at 34,000 feet (10,360 meters) at 760 kph (470 mph) and that expected time of arrival would be 1855. Weather at Nagoya would be 4 degrees Celsius with clear skies. It was a smooth flight, and passengers started to doze off, tired from a day's work and the weather disruption. I took the time to explore the seat pocket. Albeit a small airline, FDA publishes its own in-flight magazine, called 'Dream3776' (Mt. Fuji's altitude), which talks about sightseeing spots and local specialties at FDA's destinations, as well as gives information about the natural landmarks that can be seen from the aircraft window for all of its routes.

FDA's in-flight service and what's inside their seat pocket. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Our aircraft for today was Embraer ERJ170-200 (E175) JA05FJ, delivered new to FDA on October 24th, 2010. FDA's aircraft all wear a different color and are named after it; JA01FJ is Dream Red, JA02FJ is Light Blue, JA03FJ is Pink, JA04FJ is Green, JA05FJ is Orange, JA06FJ is Purple, JA07FJ is Yellow, and JA08FJ is Tea Green (Fuji Dream Airlines receives eighth E-Jet 'Tea Green'.). Whenever they introduce a new aircraft, the company runs a poll on their website to decide on the most popular color. Their eighth ERJ was only delivered in March 2014 and enabled them to add Yamagata (GAJ/RJSC) plus various charters.

The cabin of our 84-seat Embraer E175. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

At 1825, we were informed that descent would begin soon, and just five minutes later, gradual descent into Nagoya commenced. Seat-belt signs were turned on at 1840, and as we came below the clouds, the suburbs of Japan's third largest metropolitan area started to appear. Gears were lowered at 1847, and we made a sharp right turn above the houses and expressways, making a final approach to Nagoya/Komaki's (NKM/RJNA) Runway 34. We touched down at 1850 and taxied to Spot C, where we came to a stop at 1854. There are no more jet-bridges at Komaki, and passengers disembark via airstairs and walk to the terminal through a roofed passage. As we arrived at the baggage claim, suitcases were out in 10 minutes. I hopped on the 1920 bus to Nagoya Station in downtown and arrived at 1955, after being caught in some rush-hour traffic.

'Orange' seen after arriving at Nagoya's Komaki Airport. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Opened back in 1934, Komaki was Nagoya's gateway to the world until Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) succeeded that role on February 17, 2005. On that day, JAL's regional arm J-Air (XM/JLJ) moved its hub to Komaki from Hiroshima-Nishi (HIW/RJBH), which later closed in November 2012, but did not last long and shifted to Osaka/Itami in March 2011, mostly due to the parent's financial difficulties. FDA launched services from Komaki on October 31, 2010 and has since expanded their network to include Aomori, Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF), Hanamaki (HNA/RJSI), Kochi (KCZ/RJOK), Kumamoto (KMJ/RJFT), Niigata (KIJ/RJSN), and now Yamagata, essentially filling the void left by not only J-Air, but also JAL, which closed down their Chubu Centrair hub as well. At Chubu, the JAL Group now only operates four routes each for domestic and international, while ANA is currently the dominant carrier with 17 domestic and two international routes. At Nagoya's convenient airport near downtown, FDA is the sole carrier. JAL now code-shares on many of FDA's routes.

FDA's departures and arrivals hall inside Komaki's compact terminal. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Founded by major Japanese distribution company Suzuyo as the hometown airline of Shizuoka when Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ/RJNS) was opened in June 2009, Fuji Dream launched operations on July 23, 2009. After experimenting various routes from the airport, the airline has since shifted most of its operations to Nagoya's older airport at Komaki, or officially Nagoya Airfield, located 126km to the west. FDA is not a first-class airline nor is it willing to fly everywhere and compete with the mighty full-service carriers and the growing LCCs, but a humble carrier with a modest level of service constantly looking to carve out a niche in under-served regional markets, most of which can no longer be sustained with a high-cost ANA or JAL service.

FDA plans charters to Aomori, Hokkaido, and Okinawa.

Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) is planning various charter flights to Aomori, Hokkaido, and Okinawa from its hubs at Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA) and Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS) this upcoming summer.

Embraer ERJ170-100STD (E170) JA01FJ 'Dream Red' arriving at Fukuoka. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

FDA will fly a round-trip flight between Shizuoka and Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) on April 26th, 28th, and May 2nd as part of Hankyu Travel International's package tour to see Hirosaki's Sakura (cherry blossom) Festival in Aomori during 'Golden Week'. The airline already operates two daily scheduled round-trips between Komaki and Aomori, which will be increased to three from July 1st (Fuji Dream Airlines' Summer 2014 changes.).

To Okinawa prefecture in southern Japan, Fuji Dream will fly to Miyako (MMY/ROMY) from Komaki on April 27th on behalf of Japan's largest travel agency JTB, and from Shizuoka on May 1st, 3rd, and 6th on behalf of tour firm Tabix.

From June 28th to September 20th, FDA will fly a weekly single round-trip between Komaki and Sapporo/Okadama (OKD/RJCO), the downtown airport of the Hokkaido capital, on Saturdays using Embraer ERJ170-100s (E170). Plans are also underway to operate up to 98 charter flights to and from Wakkanai (WKJ/RJCW) at the northernmost tip of Hokkaido from Komaki, Matsumoto (MMJ/RJAF), Niigata (KIJ/RJSN), and Shizuoka between June 13th and August 18th. 

FDA currently operates five ERJ170-200s (E175) and three ERJ170-100s (E170), and its eighth aircraft was only delivered (Fuji Dream Airlines receives eighth E-Jet 'Tea Green'.) roughly two weeks ago. The company's mission has been 'bridging communities to promote exchanges in people, products, economy, and culture'. 

Source: Hokkaido Shimbun, March 12th. (in Japanese)
Source: Miyako Mainichi Shimbun, March 13th. (in Japanese)
Source: FlyTeam, March 18th. (in Japanese)

CoachFlyer KE768: AOJ - ICN on Korean Air's Boeing 737.

Travel date: January 2014
Flight: KE768
Route: Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) - Seoul/Incheon (ICN/RKSI)
Carrier: Korean Air Lines (KE/KAL) d.b.a. Korean Air
Aircraft: Boeing 737-8Q8(WL) HL8224
Class: Economy
Direct distance: 1,283 km (798 miles)
Flight time: 2 hours 34 minutes 

With our flight being the sole international route from the airport, check-in, security check and immigrations were a breeze at Aomori Airport (AOJ/RJSA). Boarding began at 1335, and the doors were closed at 1352. Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Honshu and one of the country’s snowiest prefectures along with Hokkaido and northwestern Japan, was seeing a blizzard on this day, but with the airport located on a mountain, it is not something rare at all. That is one of the reasons why Aomori Airport is one of only seven airports in Japan fully equipped with ILS Category IIIb, and also boasts Japan's fastest airport snow plowing system which airport officials have dubbed 'White Impulse'.

Our Boeing 737-8Q8(WL) HL8224 arriving at Aomori from Incheon. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

De-icing took some time, and push-back didn't start until 1404, nine minutes behind schedule. All announcements were made in the order of Korean, English, and Japanese, but the safety procedure video lacked English. Seven minutes later, we started moving, but visibility wasn't looking good. At 1420, we started our takeoff roll from Runway 24, but immediately after, the thrust reversers and spoilers were deployed, and we realized that takeoff had been aborted. Passengers, wondering why the aircraft could not take off, did not receive an explanation until five minutes later while waiting on the taxiway that there had been a gust warning. 10 minutes later, we tried our second takeoff run, and this time, at 1436, out aircraft lifted to the air. After a very bumpy climb, the seat-belt signs were turned off about seven minutes later, and the crew started preparing for in-flight service.

By the time boarding was ready, a blizzard had come. Poor visibility. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Our aircraft, Boeing 737-8Q8(WL) HL8224, was delivered to ILFC on July 19th, 2011 and immediately leased to Korean Air. It is one of 19 B737-800s the carrier currently operates. At 1450, the crew started serving meals; sauteed chicken with rice served with Kimchi and seaweed. Their tube-packaged Korean chili paste is always a nice accompaniment. Our Captain made his welcome message to the passengers, but nothing about our delayed departure or the weather issue was mentioned. With strong headwinds, our cruising ground speed was 730 kph (450 mph) at an altitude of 9,700 meters (32,000 feet). The meal was followed by rounds of coffee and green tea, and then duty free sales dubbed ‘KAL Sky Shop’ were started. The majority of passengers seemed to be Korean, many on the way back to their home from package tours in Aomori.

Don't forget their tasty Korean chili paste (red cap)! (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

In June 2013, Korean Air reported they were considering axing the route after load factors were in the fifties, but the airline and Aomori’s prefectural government, along with local authorities who feared the impact on tourism of losing the prefecture’s only international flight, carried out various incentives to lure passengers. Flights were moved to Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays which enabled weekend trips instead of the previous Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, airport parking fees were lowered, and local transportation companies came up with more package tours. Load factors improved and are reportedly still around 60%, however, Korean Air is still keeping the route. On-going political tensions between Japan and Korea have a relatively large impact, especially on the number of outbound passengers from Aomori.

Our aircraft's Boeing Signature Interior. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

At 1535, cabin lights were dimmed and the pale blue mood lights were softly turned on, giving a relaxing feel. However, the cabin crew started to chat in the back of the aircraft, and their voices could be heard in rear rows. The Boeing Signature Interior (BSI) certainly gives a very different impression compared to the normal interior; a spacious cabin with a relaxing atmosphere. This B737 was also equipped with large seat-width-sized personal LCDs and an on-demand entertainment system running Korean Air's 'Beyond' product at every seat, and that also helped to give an impression that this was an international aircraft, and not just another tightly-configured Boeing narrow-body. Our aircraft flew south off the west coast of Japan, overflying Noto and Oki, then heading across the Sea of Japan (East Sea) for the Korean peninsula. Unfortunately, most of the view below us in Japanese airspace was cloudy. 

Looking to the north. The mountains of North Korea in the horizon. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

We entered Korean land from Pohang around 1630, and headed northwest towards the nation's capital. A few minutes later, the cabin crew came down with a rounds of water, orange juice, and fruit punch. We passed west of Andong and Chungju, before starting our descent from Suwon, south of Seoul, at 1648. 10 minutes later the seat-belt signs were turned on, and we passed Incheon Airport (ICN/RKSI) to our right. Heading north, we made a sharp turn to the right, enabling us to get a glimpse of the beautiful mountains of North Korea on the horizon. At 1707, we made our last sharp turn to the right, for a final approach to Runway 16. Gears were lowered, and the Boeing 737 touched down at 1710, local time. Total flight time was two hours and 34 minutes. We arrived at remote Spot 822 at 1719, 24 minutes behind schedule. Buses were quick and we were inside the terminal in five minutes.

Sunset seen from Spot 822 at Incheon. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Korean Air provides an efficient option for long-haul travel from its 14 destinations it flies to in Japan, as these flights can feed their global network from their Incheon hub. Crowded and heavily-regulated Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) has been gradually increasing international flights, finally admitting Incheon's threat, but is still far from being called a true global hub, so many outbound passengers from areas other than Tokyo still do need to make the two-hour ground transfer to Narita Airport (NRT/RJAA) if transiting in Tokyo. Service-wise, Korean Air has a state-of-the-art hard product, but I personally feel the soft part often leaves something to be desired. The crew should have explained the takeoff abort better and at least offered a small apology, even if it was due to a weather issue. Starting to chat in the back when passengers were dozing off is not a good timing, even if it was time for the crew to rest from in-flight services.

Fuji Dream Airlines' Summer 2014 changes.

Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) has released its Summer 2014 timetable effective March 30th. The most notable change is the inauguration of Yamagata (GAJ/RJSC) service (Fuji Dream Airlines announces Yamagata.). FDA is taking delivery of its eighth aircraft, an Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) wearing the color 'tea green', in March.

FDA's 1st 'Dream Red' and 7th 'Yellow' Embraer E-Jets at Komaki. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

New Routes:
Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA) - Yamagata new 1 daily with E70.
JH383 NKM 1330 - 1435 GAJ E70 Daily *March 30 - June 30.
JH383 NKM 1150 - 1255 GAJ E70 Daily *July 1 - October 25.
JH384 GAJ 1505 - 1620 NKM E70 Daily *March 30 - June 30.
JH384 GAJ 1325 - 1440 NKM E70 Daily *July 1 - October 25.

Frequency Increases:
Komaki - Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) from 2 to 3 daily. *From July 1.
Komaki - Hanamaki (HNA/RJSI) from 2 to 3 daily.

Service to Aomori was served three times daily for Summer 2013, but was reduced to two again for the snowy northern winter season of Aomori. Yamagata is growing, receiving a second daily connection to Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJAA) with Japan Airlines (JL/JAL)-subsidiary J-Air (XM/JLJ) as well.

Source: Fuji Dream Airlines (PDF; in Japanese)

ANA releases Summer 2014 domestic schedule.

On January 22nd, All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) announced their Summer 2014 plan for domestic flights, effective March 30th. They will be resuming Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) on July 1st after a 11-year hiatus.

Boeing 777-381 JA753A departing Haneda on another domestic trunk flight. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

New Routes/Resumptions:
Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO) - Aomori new 3 daily with DH4 from July 1.
NH(EH)1851 ITM 0815 - 1000 AOJ DH4 Daily *From July 1. Operated by AKX.
NH(EH)1853 ITM 1155 - 1340 AOJ DH4 Daily *From July 1. Operated by AKX.
NH(EH)1855 ITM 1910 - 2055 AOJ DH4 Daily *From July 1. Operated by AKX.
NH(EH)1852 AOJ 0805 - 1000 ITM DH4 Daily *From July 1. Operated by AKX.
NH(EH)1854 AOJ 1310 - 1505 ITM DH4 Daily *From July 1. Operated by AKX.
NH(EH)1856 AOJ 1740 - 1935 ITM DH4 Daily *From July 1. Operated by AKX.

 Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) - Aomori new 2 daily with DH4 from July 1.
NH(EH)1898 CTS 1150 - 1240 AOJ DH4 Daily *From July 1. Operated by AKX.
NH(EH)1900 CTS 1615 - 1705 AOJ DH4 Daily *From July 1. Operated by AKX.
NH(EH)1897 AOJ 1030 - 1120 CTS DH4 Daily *From July 1. Operated by AKX.
NH(EH)1899 AOJ 1510 - 1600 CTS  DH4 Daily *From July 1. Operated by AKX.

Frequency Increases:
Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF) - Ishigaki (ISG/ROIG) from seasonal service to 1 daily.
Fukuoka - Sendai (SDJ/RJSS) from 1 to 2 daily. *Including code-share with IBX.
Itami - Fukushima (FKS/RJSF) from 1 to 2 daily. *Including code-share with IBX.
Itami - Miyazaki (KMI/RJFM) from 5 to 6 daily. *Including code-share with IBX.
Itami - New Chitose from 1 to 3 daily. *4 daily September 1 - October 25. Including code-share with IBX.
Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) - Hakodate (HKD/RJCH)from 2 to 3 daily.
Haneda - Iwami (IWJ/RJOW) from 1 to 2 daily.
Haneda - Tottori (TTJ/RJOR) from 4 to 5 daily.

Frequency Reductions:
Fukuoka - Komatsu (KMQ/RJNK) from 4 to 3 daily. *Including code-share with IBX.
Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) - Sendai from 5 to 4 daily. *Including code-share with IBX.
Chubu Centrair - Fukuoka from 9 to 6 daily. *Including code-share with IBX. 
Itami - Fukuoka from 10 to 8 daily. *Up to 7 daily from July 1.
Itami - Niigata (KIJ/RJSN) from 6 to 5 daily. *From July 1. Including code-share with IBX.
Itami - Oita (OIT/RJFO) from 4 to 3 daily. *Including code-share with IBX.
Itami - Sendai from 8 to 7 daily. *Up to 6 daily from July 1. Including code-share with IBX.
Osaka/Kansai (KIX/RJBB) - New Chitose from 5 to 3 daily.
Haneda - Yonago (YGJ/RJOH) from 6 to 5 daily. *For only June 1 - September 30.
New Chitose - Sendai from 5 to 4 daily. *Including code-share with IBX.

Suspensions:
Haneda - Miyakejima (MYE/RJTQ). *From April 1.
Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA) - Hiroshima (HIJ/RJOA).

Not much new except for the resumption of Aomori service from July 1. Routes and frequencies are being swapped with IBEX Airlines (FW/IBX), which operates like a feeder carrier for ANA. The Miyakejima service is being transferred to New Central Airservice (CUK), allowing ANA Wings (EH/AKX) to retire its last remaining Bombardier DHC-8-300Q.

Source: All Nippon Airways (in Japanese)

ANA to resume Aomori.

On December 26th, All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) revealed that they will be re-introducing services to Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) from the summer 2014 timetable, with flights to Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO) and Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC). They will be flown with 74-seat Bombardier DHC-8-400Qs operated by subsidiary ANA Wings (EH/AKX). Details will be announced in January 2014.

ANA withdrew from Aomori in April 2003, after axing its service to Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT). For domestic from Aomori, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) serves Haneda, JAL's subsidiary J-Air (XM/JLJ) serves New Chitose and Itami, and Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) serves Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA).

Hope ANA stays for the long term and provides competition for JAL.

Source: Kahoku Shimbun (in Japanese)