Fuji Dream Airlines announces Shizuoka – Okadama.

On April 11th, Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] announced that they will launch Shizuoka [FSZ/RJNS] – Sapporo/Okadama [OKD/RJCO] on June 4th. The route will initially operate two days a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays using either 76-seat Embraer ERJ170-100s (E170s) or 84-seat ERJ170-200s (E175s). It will supplement the Shizuoka-headquartered niche carrier's existing five-times-weekly Shizuoka – Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC] service. Although not yet announced, the new link will likely code-share with partner Japan Airlines [JL/JAL].

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA05FJ arrives into snowy Aomori. Fuji Dream's fleet is comprised of seven E175s and three smaller E170s, with four more of the former on order. The Mitsubishi Regional Jet is currently being evaluated as a long-term replacement for the current E-Jets. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Fuji Dream has operated various charters from Okadama since carrying out flight testing in July 2013 to check the E170's landing and takeoff performance with the 1,500-meter runway and measure its noise footprint (Fuji Dream starts Okadama summer charter.). Hence launching scheduled flights to and from Okadama had been seen as a matter of time. It received its 10th E-Jet last month and the new service matches the arrival of their 11th in June (Fuji Dream Airlines' tenth Embraer E-Jet is Silver.).

Flight Schedule:
Shizuoka – Okadama NEW 2 weekly with E170/175. (Jun/4-)
JH173 FSZ 1130 – 1315 OKD E70 Tue/Sat
JH174 OKD 1345 – 1535 FSZ E70 Tue/Sat

Fuji Dream's entry into Okadama with a frequency supplementing their service to New Chitose along with identical times shows how it is largely an experiment to see which of the airports passengers actually prefer, and whether there are prospects it could replicate how it successfully created a hub at Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA], the Chubu (Greater Nagoya) region's older but preferred airport located closer to downtown, which was largely replaced by Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG]. President Yohei Suzuki had said "Sapporo can support a dual airport strategy with two respective roles."

Local regional airline Hokkaido Air System [HC/NTH], which was made a subsidiary of JAL once again in October 2014 (JAL raises Hokkaido Air System stake to 51%.), is based at Okadama and is the only scheduled carrier using the airport. Although much smaller than its bigger sister New Chitose, which is located 40 kilometers away from the Hokkaido capital, Okadama is compact and is only six kilometers from downtown Sapporo. Its proximity has been less felt as travel to New Chitose from center city has efficiently been reduced to a 40-minute train ride, while reaching Okadama requires transferring from subway to bus resulting in a 25-minute travel time from Sapporo Station.

As major airports become crowded, Fuji Dream is striving to be a niche carrier flying into smaller but more convenient secondary airports of major cities, taking advantage of smaller E-Jets. Launching a hub at Chubu Centrair is still being evaluated, as parking space at Komaki becomes scarce (Fuji Dream mulls Chubu – Narita and international charters.), but that may be risky as the larger airport serving the Chubu region is well-served by All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] and a growing number of LCCs, including AirAsia Japan (Mk II) [DJ], which is launching with a hub there this summer (New AirAsia Japan delays service entry to July 2016.). Proposed Komaki – Okadama could bear fruit if Shizuoka – Okadama proves successful and an agreement could be reached with partner JAL, which already operates Chubu Centrair – New Chitose.   

Source: Fuji Dream Airlines, 2016 April 11th. (in Japanese)

Fuji Dream launches Izumo and Kitakyushu.

On March 29th, Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] launched Izumo [IZO/RJOC] and Kitakyushu [KKJ/RJFR] from its hub at Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA] (Fuji Dream confirms Izumo and Kitakyushu.) with one and two round-trips, respectively. FDA's eighth and ninth cities from Nagoya's older but more convenient airport near downtown will be flown with either 76-seat Embraer ERJ170-100s (E170s) or 84-seat ERJ170-200s (E175s). All three new flights code-share with partner Japan Airlines [JL/JAL].

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA03FJ Pink was FDA's first 84-seat aircraft. The Komaki-based carrier now operates six alongside three 76-seat ERJ170-100s (E170), with another two E175s on order. (Photo: FDA)

One-way fares to Izumo start from 9,000 JPY booked 45 days in advance and go up to 26,000 JPY for last-minute tickets during peak periods, though a promotional 6,005 JPY-fare is being offered in limited numbers until April 30th. Prices for Kitakyushu range from 11,000 JPY for 45-day-advance tickets to 28,000 JPY for last-minute fares during peak season. A promotional fare is also available until April 30th at 9,990 JPY. Taxes and fuel surcharge are not included in the figures.

Flight Schedule:
Komaki – Izumo NEW 1 daily with E170 or E175. (2015/Mar/29 - Oct/24)
JH415 NKM 1420 – 1520 IZO E70/E75 Daily
JH416 IZO 1550 – 1650 NKM E70/E75 Daily

Komaki – Kitakyushu NEW 2 daily with E170 or E175. (2015/Mar/29 - Oct/24)
JH401 NKM 0720 – 0840 KKJ E70/E75 Daily
JH407 NKM 1820 – 1940 KKJ E70/E75 Daily
JH402 KKJ 0910 – 1030 NKM E70/E75 Daily
JH408 KKJ 2010 – 2130 NKM E70/E75 Daily

ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA09FJ Gold was assigned to the inaugural flight to Kitakyushu, while ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA07FJ Yellow operated the first round-trip to Izumo. The former aircraft, which is their ninth, had only arrived in Japan on March 23rd (Fuji Dream's ninth Embraer E-Jet is Gold.) after a four-day-long delivery flight from Brazil.

The niche regional carrier is scheduled to receive its 10th aircraft in March 2016 and 11th in March 2017, however, FDA revealed that opening a base at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG], the region's main international gateway, while keeping Komaki is currently under consideration, as aircraft parking space at the older airport is now full. Besides the two new destinations, FDA currently serves Aomori [AOJ/RJSA], Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], Hanamaki [HNA/RJSI], Kochi [KCZ/RJOK], Kumamoto [KMJ/RJFT], Niigata [KIJ/RJSN], Yamagata [GAJ/RJSC] from Komaki.

FDA has largely been able to gain popularity for Komaki's compact terminal and proximity to downtown. It essentially filled the void left by JAL subsidiary J-Air [XM/JLJ], which withdrew from Komaki in March 2011. The two new routes were also previously served by JAL's commuter arm until 2005 and 2007, respectively. Although the airline says any Chubu Centrair flight would code-share with JAL, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] is the dominant carrier there, and with LCCs Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] expanding (Jetstar Japan commences Nagoya – Okinawa.) and AirAsia Japan (Mk II) setting up a hub (New AirAsia Japan eyes launch by year-end 2015.), the small commuter carrier could drag itself into a new fare war.

Source: Travel Watch, March 30th. (in Japanese)

Fuji Dream confirms Izumo and Kitakyushu.

Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] has officially announced the launch of two new routes from Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA] on March 29th, the beginning of the Summer 2015 timetable: Izumo [IZO/RJOC] and Kitakyushu [KKJ/RJFR]. As previously rumored (Fuji Dream plans Izumo, Kitakyushu, and Chubu Centrair.), the former would be served daily while frequency for the latter would be twice daily. Both routes will code-share with Japan Airlines [JL/JAL].

Embraer ERJ170-100STD (E170) JA01FJ Dream Red prepares for takeoff from Fukuoka. Looking worse for wear, FDA's first aircraft is finally receiving a new coat of paint this month. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The new flights will be operated by either 76-seat Embraer ERJ170-100s (E170s) or 84-seat ERJ170-200s (E175s). It will coincide with the delivery of their ninth aircraft, which would be their sixth E175, in March. What color the newest airframe will wear remains unannounced.

Flight Schedule (2015/Mar/29 - Oct/24):
Komaki – Izumo NEW 1 daily with E170 or E175.
JH415 NKM 1420 – 1520 IZO E70/E75 Daily
JH416 IZO 1550 – 1650 NKM E70/E75 Daily

Komaki – Kitakyushu NEW 2 daily with E170 or E175.
JH401 NKM 0720 – 0840 KKJ E70/E75 Daily
JH407 NKM 1820 – 1940 KKJ E70/E75 Daily
JH402 KKJ 0910 – 1030 NKM E70/E75 Daily
JH408 KKJ 2010 – 2130 NKM E70/E75 Daily 

Both routes were previously served by JAL subsidiary J-Air [XM/JLJ] until 2005 and 2007, respectively. FDA's network at Nagoya's convenient airport near downtown includes Aomori [AOJ/RJSA], Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], Hanamaki [HNA/RJSI], Kochi [KCZ/RJOK], Kumamoto [KMJ/RJFT], Niigata [KIJ/RJSN], Yamagata [GAJ/RJSC], and the new cities are their eighth and ninth non-stop destinations.

The niche regional carrier will receive its 10th aircraft in March 2016, however, they revealed that running a base at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] alongside Komaki is currently under consideration, as apron parking space at the older airport will be full after the arrival of the ninth aircraft. The Aichi Government and local business communities have also been trying to consolidate all Nagoya flights at Chubu Centrair, and further FDA expansion at Komaki would go against that. Adding back flights at its hometown of Shizuoka [FSZ/RJNS] has been talked about, but that does not seem to be high in priority.

However, FDA has largely been able to gain popularity due to them being the sole carrier at Nagoya's more convenient airport near downtown, essentially filling the void left by J-Air. Although the airline says any Chubu Centrair flight would code-share with JAL, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] is the dominant carrier there, and with LCCs Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] expanding (Jetstar Japan starts three routes from Kumamoto.) and AirAsia Japan (Mk II) setting up a hub (AirAsia Japan is officially reborn; first flight June 2015.), the niche commuter carrier could drag itself into a new battleground.

Source: Fuji Dream Airlines, January 15th. (PDF; in Japanese)
Source: Fuji Dream Airlines, January 19th. (PDF; in Japanese)

Fuji Dream loads Mount Fuji scenic flight.

Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] will operate a one-off, one-way service from Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA] to Shizuoka [FSZ/RJNS] on December 3rd. Dubbed Mount Fuji Scenic Flight, the charter operation will depart at 0700 JST, fly over Yaezu City, then approach near Mount Fuji, and move over to Fujinomiya City, before arriving into the World Heritage Site's nearest commercial airport around 0800.

Embraer ERJ170-100STD (E170) JA01FJ Dream Red resting between flights at FDA's Shizuoka hub. Will their ninth aircraft, slated to arrive in March 2015, replace their first? Or will they add new routes? (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

A 76-seat Embraer ERJ170 (E170) will be assigned, however, FDA is capping the passenger number for the flight to just 19, with each passenger to be allocated an entire row (four seats) to provide the best views of Japan's tallest mountain.

Flight Schedule:
Komaki – Shizuoka charter with E170.
JH5071 NKM 0700 – 0800 FSZ E70 *Dec/3 only.

Price is set at 9,800 JPY per person, including a 1,000 JPY QUO prepaid shopping card gift that would be handed out. Tickets went on sale on November 19th at 0900 and was closed on November 21st at 1500. Travelers needed to be either a friend on FDA's Facebook page or an account holder on FDA's website in order to purchase.

Reference: Fuji Dream Airlines @ Facebook, November 17th. (in Japanese)
Reference: FlightLiner, November 19th. (in Japanese)

JAL's Pink Ribbon Jet enters service.

On October 10th, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) unveiled Pink Ribbon Jet, as part of a joint campaign with Estée Lauder Group, a manufacturer of women's skincare, makeup, fragrance, and haircare products, to promote awareness of breast cancer. The specially-themed aircraft, Boeing 777-246 JA8983, entered service on flight JL107, service from Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) to Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO), on the same day.

Boeing 777-246 JA8983 Pink Ribbon Jet taxies at Tokyo's Haneda. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Using the airplane, JAL operated flight JL509 from Haneda to Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) on October 15th under the name Pink Scarf Flight. Cabin attendants wore pink scarves for the occasion, and handed out leaflets explaining how to do a breast self-exam along with pink ribbon badges. For in-flight shopping, a 8,000 JPY Vittorio Godi small leather wallet was introduced as the official campaign product, and a certain share of its sales will be donated to Breast Cancer Network Japan, a patient support community.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign decals will be worn until March 2015. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Started in 2004, the idea for a breast cancer awareness campaign originally came from JAL's employees, the majority of whom are women, like many airlines. JAL's wholly-owned commuter subsidiary J-Air (XM/JLJ) also started participating last year, and operated its own Pink Scarf Flight on the same day on October 15th with flight XM2205, service from Itami to Sendai (SDJ/RJSS).

Reference: Japan Airlines, October 10th. (in Japanese)
Reference: Aviation Wire, October 15th. (in Japanese)

JAL orders 32 Mitsubishi MRJs and 27 Embraer E-Jets.

On August 28th, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) and Mitsubishi Aircraft jointly announced that they had reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the airline to acquire 32 Mitsubishi Regional Jets (MRJs) with deliveries starting in 2021. It will be operated by JAL's commuter arm J-Air (XM/JLJ). The order is valued at 150 billion JPY at list prices.

Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) in JAL's livery. (Image: Mitsubishi)

At the same time, Japan's second largest carrier also reached an agreement with Embraer for 27 E-Jets, including 15 firm and 12 options. Both the 78-seat ERJ170 (E170), which the currently operates, and the larger 104-seat ERJ190 (E190), which would be a new variant for the airline, were announced, though the breakdown was not specified. Deliveries will start in 2015. J-Air already flies 15 E170s.

Embraer E-Jets in J-Air's livery. The ERJ190 (E190) would be a first for the group. (Image: Embraer)

"I've also taken a look at MRJs factory, and with a new Japanese-built aircraft in front, I was filled with deep emotions. I'm confident that it would be the aircraft for the next generation," said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of JAL. He explained that the order for Brazilian regional jets are a stop-gap measure, probably to replace the Bombardier/Canadair CRJs, and the regional fleet would eventually be standardized on the MRJ, sometime around 2028.

Although plagued by delays, the prototype MRJ will finally be rolled out on October 18th at Mitsubishi's plant at Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA), with first flight slated for April or May 2015. First delivery to launch customer All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA), which has 25 on order, is expected in 2017. Powered by Pratt & Whitney's PurePower PW1200G series geared turbofan engines, the MRJ family consists of the 78-seat MRJ70, which can fly 3,380 kilometers (2,100 miles), and the 92-seat MRJ90, with a 3,310-kilometer (2,050 miles) range. It is Japan's first commercial airliner since the NAMC YS-11 was introduced in 1965.

Reference: Japan Airlines, August 28th. (in Japanese)
Reference: Japan Airlines, August 28th. (in Japanese)
Reference: Japan Airlines, August 28th. (in Japanese)

JAL starts Summer 2014 seasonal routes.

On August 1st, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) launched six summer seasonal routes. From Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG), they have launched three-times weekly Kushiro (KUH/RJCK) and four-times weekly Obihiro (OBO/RJCB) service, while from Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO), daily service to Matsumoto (MMJ/RJAF) and Memanbetsu (MMB/RJCM) have been added. Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) sees new four-times weekly service to Izumo (IZO/RJOC) and three-times weekly to Tokushima (TKS/RJOS).

Boeing 737-846(WL) JA314J arrives at Aomori. JAL Express has started to repaint their aircraft with 'Japan Airlines' titles in anticipation of their merger into JAL on October 1st. Catch them while you can. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The seasonal flights from Chubu Centrair and New Chitose are operated with JAL Express' (JC/JEX) (JAL Express to be absorbed by JAL on October 1st.) 165-seat (20 Class J and 145 economy) Boeing 737-800s, while the Itami flights are flown with J-Air's (XM/JLJ) 76-seat (all economy) Embraer ERJ170-100STDs (E170s). All six will operate until August 31st.

Flight Schedule (Aug/1 - Aug/31/2014 only):
Nagoya/Chubu Centrair – Kushiro NEW 3 weekly with 737-800.
JL3131 NGO 1130 – 1320 KUH 73H Tu/Th/Sa *Operated by JAL Express as JC3131.
JL3132 KUH 1450 – 1650 NGO 73H Tu/Th/Sa *Operated by JAL Express as JC3132.

Nagoya/Chubu Centrair – Obihiro NEW 4 weekly with 737-800.
JL3303 NGO 1100 – 1300 OBO 73H Mo/We/Fr/Su *Operated by JAL Express as JC3303.
JL3304 OBO 1520 – 1715 NGO 73H Mo/We/Fr/Su *Operated by JAL Express as JC3304.

Osaka/Itami – Matsumoto NEW 1 daily with E170.
JL2271 ITM 1330 – 1420 MMJ E70 Daily *Operated by J-Air as XM2271.
JL2272 MMJ 1500 – 1555 ITM E70 Daily *Operated by J-Air as XM2272.

Osaka/Itami – Memanbetsu NEW 1 daily with E170.
JL2101 ITM 0815 – 1020 MMB E70 Daily *Operated by J-Air as XM2101.
JL2102 MMB 1050 – 1300 ITM E70 Daily *Operated by J-Air as XM2102.

Sapporo/New Chitose – Izumo NEW 4 weekly with 737-800.
JL3426 CTS 1200 – 1405 IZO 73H Mo/We/Fr/Su *Operated by JAL Express as JC3426.
JL3421 IZO 1455 – 1650 CTS 73H Mo/We/Fr/Su *Operated by JAL Express as JC3421.

Sapporo/New Chitose – Tokushima NEW 3 weekly with 737-800.
JL3436 CTS 1200 – 1355 TKS 73H Tu/Th/Sa *Operated by JAL Express as JC3436.
JL3437 TKS 1455 – 1655 CTS 73H Tu/Th/Sa *Operated by JAL Express as JC3437. 

All of these routes are actually resumptions. Chubu Centrair – Kushiro was suspended in May 2010, Chubu Centrair – Obihiro in October 2010, Itami – Matsumoto in June 2010, Itami – Memanbetsu in April 2005 (moved to Kansai but suspended in March 2009), and both New Chitose – Izumo and New Chitose – Tokushima in March 2011; all during JAL Group's restructuring. Originally announced in January (JAL to resume six domestic routes for Summer 2014.), these routes are probably candidates for a full resumption, as part of JAL's intention to "restart rural routes that are potentially profitable in due course."

Fuji Dream starts Okadama summer charter.

On June 28th, Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) launched summer charter service between Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA) and Sapporo/Okadama (OKD/RJCO). It will be operated every Saturday until September 20th, and will fly round-trip except for today and the last day. Hankyu Travel International is chartering the aircraft to transport participants of their Hokkaido and Sakhalin in 8 Days cruising tour from Nagoya to Japan's big island in the north, and therefore the flights are not offered for sale.

Embraer ERJ170-100STD (E170) JA04FJ Green at Fukuoka. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The flight is operated by Embraer ERJ170-100STDs (E170) and JA02FJ Light Blue was assigned for the inaugural today. After arrival at Okadama, Sapporo's compact airport nearer to downtown than its big sister Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC), participants are bused to Otaru to board Princess Cruises' Sun Princess for an eight-day cruise through Hakodate, Muroran, Kushiro, Abashiri, Karapto (Sakhalin in Russian), and back to Otaru.

Flight schedule (June 28th - September 20th):
JH5313 NKM 1125 – 1305 OKD E70 Sat *Does not operate on Sep/20.
JH5314 OKD 1520 – 1710 NKM E70 Sat *Does not operate on Jun/28.

FDA had been carrying out various tests at Okadama, some involving actual aircraft to check the E170's landing and takeoff performance with the 1,500-meter runway and measure noise footprint; a round-trip test flight was carried out on July 7th, 2013, followed by a one-time charter flight with actual passengers on board on November 16th. Noise pollution along with various other data will be collected during July and August this year as well.

Hokkaido and Sapporo's officials have had the idea of extending Okadama's runway to 1,800 meters to accommodate scheduled jet flights, however, locals have so far been opposed to it, citing noise issues and a possible subsequent increase of Japan Self Defense Force (JASDF) activity. FDA President Yohei Suzuki believes "Sapporo can support a dual airport strategy with two respective roles."

FDA is dramatically increasing the share of charter flights this year (Fuji Dream Airlines to fly charters to Oki and from Izumo.) (FDA plans charters to Aomori, Hokkaido, and Okinawa.), made possible with the arrival of their eighth aircraft (Fuji Dream Airlines receives eighth E-Jet 'Tea Green'.), in bid to explore niche markets and avoid head-to-head competition. Hokkaido has been their primary focus so far, with 98 charter flights connecting Wakkanai (WKJ/RJCW), the northernmost tip of Hokkaido, with Komaki, Matsumoto (MMJ/RJAF), Niigata (KIJ/RJSN), and Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS) as well this summer, in addition to the Okadama charter.

Although FDA is the sole carrier at Nagoya's older airport 20 minutes by bus from central Nagoya, they compete on some overlapping routes from Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG), now reduced to a 30-minute express-train ride from Nagoya Station. The Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF) route is fiercest; FDA flies five round-trips (code-sharing with Japan Airlines), while All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) operates six daily, Star Flyer (7G/SFJ) three daily (Star Flyer to add ANA's code on all flights.), IBEX Airlines (FW/IBX) once daily (code-sharing with ANA), and Jetstar Japan (GK/JJP) once daily. Growing LCCs also pose a threat, with Jetstar Japan willing to expand and AirAsia Japan (Mk II) expected to launch from Chubu Centrair (New AirAsia Japan to be based at Nagoya Chubu Centrair.) in 2015.

Reference: City of Sapporo, June 24th. (PDF; in Japanese)
Reference: FlyTeam, June 25th (in Japanese)

J-Air Embraer E170 encounters turbulence over Ibaraki.

On April 29th, J-Air (XM/JLJ) flight XM1252 (marketed as JL1252), service from Yamagata (GAJ/RJSC) to Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT), encountered sudden rough air at 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) over Tsukuba City, Ibaraki prefecture, around 0945, local time. Although no passengers were injured, one flight attendant suffered a pelvic fracture, while the other had a shoulder bruise.

Carrying 35 passengers, two flight attendants, and two cockpit crew, Embraer ERJ170-100STD (E170) JA211J experienced what was likely caused by wake turbulence moments after it had turned on its seat-belt sign in preparation for approach into Tokyo's downtown airport. The two cabin attendants were preparing to make their way through the aisle for final safety checks when it happened. The Brazil-born regional jet made a safe landing at Haneda at 1002 and arrived at the gate at 1015, 15 minutes behind its published time.

Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) has dispatched three investigators. J-Air is the commuter arm of Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) and operates a fleet of 15 E170s and nine Bombardier CL-600-2B19 CRJ-200ERs from its base at Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO).

Source: NHK, April 30th. (in Japanese)
Source: FlyTeam, April 30th. (in Japanese)

J-Air takes delivery of 15th Embraer E170.

On March 20th, J-Air (XM/JLJ) took delivery of Embraer ERJ170-100STD (E170) JA225J new from the Brazilian manufacturer. It arrived at the airline's Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO) hub on March 24th, local time.

Sister Embraer ERJ170-100STD (E170) JA223J arrives at Hanamaki with the beautiful mountains of Towada-Hachimantai in the background. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

This is the 15th and as of now the final E170 (no more order backlog) to be delivered to the JAL Group. The regional arm of Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) is restarting some domestic routes previously flown by mainline (JAL to resume six domestic routes for Summer 2014.), and the E-Jet has become the backbone of their fleet. J-Air also flies nine Canadair CL-600-2B19 200ERs (CRJ200ERs).

Now virtually, JAL has organized its operations in a way that sees most of the regional routes from Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) being operated by lower-cost subsidiary JAL Express (JC/JEX) with Boeing 737-800s and those from Itami being flown by J-Air with E-Jets and CRJs, while mainline JAL is limited to a handful of trunk routes connecting major cities and some high-demand regional routes.

Source: FlyTeam, March 23rd. (in Japanese)

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)

JAL to expand code-share with Fuji Dream Airlines.

Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) will code-share on Fuji Dream Airlines' (JH/FDA) new Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA) - Yamagata (GAJ/RJSC) service, which will commence on March 30th. (Fuji Dream Airlines' Summer 2014 changes.)

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA03FJ 'Pink' rests at Nagoya's Komaki Airport. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA) - Yamagata new 1 daily with E70.
JH383/JL4323 NKM 1330 - 1435 GAJ E70 Daily *March 30 - June 30.
JH383/JL4324 NKM 1150 - 1255 GAJ E70 Daily *July 1 - October 25.
JH384/JL4323 GAJ 1505 - 1620 NKM E70 Daily *March 30 - June 30.
JH384/JL4324 GAJ 1325 - 1440 NKM E70 Daily *July 1 - October 25.

JAL already code-shares on Fuji Dream's flights from Komaki to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF), Kochi (KCZ/RJOK), Kumamoto (KMJ/RJFT), and Niigata (KIJ/RJSN), as well as from Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS) to Fukuoka and Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC), and the Matsumoto (MMJ/RJAF) to Fukuoka and New Chitose routes, and the Niigata - Fukuoka route.

Source: Japan Airlines, February 18th. (in Japanese)

Fuji Dream Airlines to fly charters to Oki and from Izumo.

Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) will operate one-way charters from Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS) to Oki (OKI/RJNO), an island 50 kilometers northwest of Yonago in Shimane prefecture, on March 8th and 12th. Return flights will depart from Izumo (IZO/RJOC) and fly back to Shizuoka on March 10th and 14th, respectively.

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA05FJ 'Orange' at Nagoya's Komaki Airport. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

This sightseeing tour that will visit the major attractions of Shimane prefecture is being sold by Japan's biggest travel packages firm JTB. Fuji Dream had stated that their eighth aircraft, an Embraer E175 which will arrive in March, will enable them to fly more charters.

Source: FlyTeam, February 6th. (in Japanese)

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)

Fuji Dream Airlines announces Yamagata.

On January 14th, Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) announced the launch of Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA) - Yamagata (GAJ/RJSC) service from March 30th. It will coincide with the delivery of their eighth aircraft. The timetable is as follows:

March 30 - June 30, 2014
JH383 NKM 1330 - 1435 GAJ E70 Daily
JH384 GAJ 1505 - 1620 NKM E70 Daily

July 1 - October 25, 2014
JH383 NKM 1150 - 1255 GAJ E70 Daily
JH384 GAJ 1325 - 1440 NKM E70 Daily 

Their eighth Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175), to be delivered in March as JA08FJ, will be painted in 'tea green', representing Shizuoka's famous green tea farms. Their ninth to eleventh aircraft will be acquired to replace its three smaller Embraer ERJ170-100s (E170). 

Computer-generated image of FDA's eighth E-Jet 'Tea Green'. (Image: FDA)

Launching new destinations from its hometown of Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS), which the airline said was considering, has been postponed, citing the airport's curfew, which cannot be changed until at least 2015. When the airport opened in June 2009, it had reached an agreement with local communities that flights would be operated only between 0730 and 2030. Currently, FDA's Shizuoka operations see three daily flights to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF), a daily flight to Kagoshima (KOJ/RJFK), and summer seasonal service to Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC). Its headquarters and crew training center are also located there. For the time being, FDA will add more frequencies to current cities served from Komaki.

Source: Fuji Dream Airlines (PDF; in Japanese)