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 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 mulls Chubu – Narita and international charters.

Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] will reportedly launch a base at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] by 2017 (Fuji Dream plans Izumo, Kitakyushu, and Chubu Centrair.) and start international charters along with Chubu Centrair – Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA], according to an interview by Chunichi Shimbun with President Yohei Suzuki. The niche regional carrier currently operates only domestic routes from its hubs at Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA], Chubu (Greater Nagoya) region's older but convenient airport near downtown, and Shizuoka [FSZ/RJNS], where it is headquartered.

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD JA08FJ Tea Green at Aomori, moments before rotation. Fuji Dream plans a fleet of a dozen E-Jets by 2018, though the Mitsubishi Regional Jet is currently being evaluated as a replacement in the long-term. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

FDA flies nine aircraft, comprised of six 84-seat Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) and three 76-seat ERJ170-100 (E170), with the next E175 arriving in March 2016 and another coming one year later (Fuji Dream orders up to six more Embraer E175s.). All of its aircraft either return to Komaki or Shizuoka for the night, as most of the airports it serves have curfews, and FDA intends to take advantage of Chubu Centrair's 24-hour operation to experiment late-night or early-morning international charters to China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Other open-around-the-clock airports such as Kitakyushu [KKJ/RJFR] and Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] are also being considered as points of origin.

The Shizuoka-based airline also plans to add Chubu Centair – Narita in the daytime to cater to international connecting passengers, and they are reportedly talking with European and North American airlines (non-Star, non-Oneworld?) for a code-sharing agreement. Meanwhile, it will maintain its domestic network from Komaki, which currently boasts nine destinations including Aomori [AOJ/RJSA], Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], Hanamaki [HNA/RJSI], Izumo [IZO/RJOC] (Fuji Dream launches Izumo and Kitakyushu.), Kochi [KCZ/RJOK], Kitakyushu, Kumamoto [KMJ/RJFT], Niigata [KIJ/RJSN], and Yamagata [GAJ/RJSC].

FDA has largely been able to gain popularity due to it being the sole carrier at Nagoya's preferred airport near downtown, where it essentially filled the void left by J-Air [XM/JLJ], which withdrew in March 2011. However, their upcoming 10th aircraft cannot be based at Komaki due to limited parking space, and further expansion at Komaki would come against the Aichi Government and local companies' desire to consolidate all flights at Chubu Centrair. A gentleman's agreement also prohibits flights over 1,000 kilometers from Komaki.

But for FDA, moving its entire operation to Chubu Centrair would not only mean it would lose Komaki's proximity advantage, but also suddenly put itself in competition with the plethora of LCCs adding services at Nagoya's premier international gateway. Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] flies both domestic and international routes (Jetstar Japan adds Nagoya and Kansai to Taipei.), while the second AirAsia Japan [DJ] is starting services in April with a hub at Chubu Centrair (New AirAsia Japan receives AOC; takeoff in April 2016.). Overseas LCCs include Spring Airlines [9C/CQH] and V Air [ZV/VAX], while Tigerair Taiwan [IT/TTW] plans to start on January 29th. So for now, FDA's answer to Nagoya is a split hub.

Source: Chunichi Shimbun, 2015 December 23rd. (in Japanese)

Fuji Dream Embraer E175 loses cabin pressure over Akita.

On July 7th, Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] flight JH212 from Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC] bound for Matsumoto [MMJ/RJAF] made an emergency landing at Niigata [KIJ/RJSN] en route, due to a warning light indicated a problem with the bleed air system. Aircraft involved was Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA06FJ Purple, carrying 67 passengers, three flight attendants, and two pilots.

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA06FJ Purple at Fukuoka. Fuji Dream Airlines' fleet is currently comprised of three 76-seat E170s and six 84-seat E175s. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

JH212 departed the gate at New Chitose on time at 1430 JST and took off at 1444. Around 1524 when the aircraft was cruising over Akita prefecture, a warning light indicating a malfunction with the bleed air system came on, followed by a loss of cabin pressure. Declaring emergency, oxygen masks were deployed, and the airplane descended to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), before diverting to Niigata, where it performed a safe touchdown at 1547.

Nobody was injured, and there were no abnormal odors or noises on the aircraft, according to FDA. Regulator Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has designated the occurrence as a "major incident," which could have led to an accident. The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) is investigating the matter.

Source: Fuji Dream Airlines, July 8th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, July 8th. (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's ninth Embraer E-Jet is Gold.

Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] took delivery of Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA09FJ, their ninth aircraft, on March 19th. Painted and named Gold, it is Japan's first E-Jet featuring the Brazilian manufacturer's Fuel Burn Improvement Package 2, which 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) JA09FJ Gold arrives at Komaki on delivery. (Photo: FDA)

The 84-seat aircraft departed São José dos Campos [SJK/SBSJ] on that day and arrived four days later today on March 23rd at their Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA] hub, flying a similar route as previous deliveries (Fuji Dream Airlines receives eighth E-Jet 'Tea Green'.) and making stops at Natal [NAT/SBNT], Espargos [SID/GVAC], Almeria [LEI/LEAM], Larnaca [LCA/LCLK], Dubai/Al Maktoum [DWC/OMDW], Kolkata/Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose [CCU/VECC], and Ho Chi Minh/Tan Son Nhat [SGN/VVTS].

It will enter service on March 25th on Komaki – Aomori [AOJ/RJSA] (flights JH361/362), Komaki – Kumamoto [KMJ/RJFT] (flights JH325/326), and Komaki – Hanamaki [HNA/RJSI] (flights JH357/358), while it will make its first appearance at the airline's Shizuoka [FSZ/RJNS] home base and Matsumoto [MMJ/RJAF] focus city on April 3rd.

Fuji Dream staff at Komaki welcome Gold. (Photo: FDA)

The addition of their ninth aircraft allows the niche regional carrier based at Nagoya's older but more convenient airport near downtown to launch daily Komaki – Izumo [IZO/RJOC] and twice-daily Komaki – Kitakyushu [KKJ/RJFR] services on March 29th, the beginning of the Summer 2015 timetable (Fuji Dream confirms Izumo and Kitakyushu.). Fuji Dream will take delivery of their 10th E-Jet in March 2016, however, it is considering basing the aircraft at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG], the bigger but farther airport, due to the lack of parking space at Komaki.

Source: Fuji Dream Airlines, March 23rd. (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 plans Izumo, Kitakyushu, and Chubu Centrair.

Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] is planning to add Izumo [IZO/RJOC] and Kitakyushu [KKJ/RJFR] from its hub at Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA] from the Summer 2015 timetable starting on March 29th. The latter link would be served twice daily while frequency for the former remains undecided.

Embraer ERJ170-200STD (E175) JA07FJ Yellow arrives at Komaki. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

It will coincide with the March delivery of their ninth aircraft, which would be their sixth Embraer ERJ170-200 (E175). Both routes were previously served by Japan Airlines' [JL/JAL] subsidiary J-Air [XM/JLJ] until 2005 and 2007, respectively. For the latter, the Greater Nagoya region and Kitakyushu are significant automobile industry hubs, notably with many of Toyota's factories and related companies located in the two cities, and local businesses had been pushing for the resumption.

FDA continues to expand at Komaki, with a network that covers Aomori [AOJ/RJSA], Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], Hanamaki [HNA/RJSI], Kochi [KCZ/RJOK], Kumamoto [KMJ/RJFT], Niigata [KIJ/RJSN], and Yamagata [GAJ/RJSC], essentially filling the void left by J-Air. However, FDA revealed that they are considering launching a hub at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] as well, as their 10th aircraft, which is planned for delivery in March 2016, currently cannot be allocated to Komaki due to limited parking space, and further expansion at Komaki would come against the Aichi Government and local business community's desire to consolidate all flights at Chubu Centrair. A gentleman's agreement also prohibits flights over 1,000 kilometers from Komaki.

FDA has largely been able to gain popularity due to it being the sole carrier at Nagoya's older but more convenient and preferred airport near downtown. Although the airline says any Chubu Centrair flight would also carry the JAL code, 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 regional carrier could drag itself into a new battleground.

Source: San-in Chuo Shimpo, December 20th. (in Japanese)
Source: The Mid-Japan Economist, January 1st. (in Japanese)
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, January 6th. (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)

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)

Fuji Dream orders up to six more Embraer E175s.

At the Farnborough International Airshow, Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) and Embraer announced that they have signed an order for up to six ERJ170-200s (E175s), consisting of three firm and three options. This order was already included in the Brazilian manufacturer's 2014 second quarter backlog as an undisclosed customer. Based on 2014 list prices, the order is valued at USD 258.6 million if all options are exercised.

Yohei Suzuki, CEO and Chairman of FDA, is congratulated by Paulo Cesar Silva, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. Showing off a new colorful carp-themed model, is a new round of special liveries coming up at FDA? (Photo: Aviation International)

"E-Jets tick all the right boxes that have been crucial to the success of Fuji Dream Airlines - efficiency, performance, exceptional economics and solid customer support that is second to none," said Yohei Suzuki, CEO and Chairman of FDA, at the biennial event. "These technologically-advanced jets have proven themselves over the years and we are confident of its capability to help us profitably expand our network and enhance our frequency. The additions to our fleet will provide our customers greater flexibility and choices, as well as the superior comfort they have enjoyed on the E-Jets." Deliveries will start in March 2015 and one will be added each March until 2017.

The newly-ordered E175s will be configured in a single-class 84-seat layout and will be equipped with the auto-land system to perform ILS CAT III approach and landing in limited visual conditions. FDA flies scheduled services to Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) (CoachFlyer JH366: AOJ – NKM on Fuji Dream Airlines' Embraer E175.) and Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC), both CAT III-equipped airports notorious for foggy springs and snowy winters. The new E175s will also feature recent aerodynamic enhancements, such as a new wingtip and other technical improvements that reduce fuel burn.

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA06FJ Purple departs from the Komaki hub in Nagoya with ERJ170-100/STD (E170) JA01FJ Dream Red and E175 JA05FJ Orange in the background. (Photo: FDA)

This order is a blow to the Mitsubishi Regional Jet family, the factory of which is ironically located at FDA's biggest hub at Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA). However, the MRJ has been plagued by development delays which have postponed first delivery by four years to April 2017, and FDA probably couldn't wait for that.

The Komaki-based airline currently operates five E175s and three ERJ170-100s (E170s). With the new additions, FDA intends to re-expand operations at Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS), its headquarters and hometown of parent Suzuyo. Kumamoto (KMJ/RJFT) is rumored to be the top candidate. It had earlier postponed these plans, citing the airport's curfew between 2030 and 0730, which is based on an agreement with local communities and cannot be changed until 2015. 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) with four weekly flights.

Now that most fingers point to an AirAsia Japan (Mk II) hub at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) (AirAsia Japan is officially reborn; first flight June 2015.), FDA will certainly be facing some new competition next year, though their location is at downtown Komaki and cater more to business travelers than leisure. How will FDA respond?

Reference: Embraer, July 15th. (in English)
Reference: PR Newswire, July 15th. (in English)

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)

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)