Jetstar Japan starts Nagoya and Kansai to Manila.

Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] commenced Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] – Manila/Ninoy Aquino [MNL/RPLL] on April 1st, followed by Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Manila on April 7th (Jetstar Japan reveals Manila, downsizes Kumamoto.). Japan's now largest LCC had only added the Filipino capital on March 15th with service from Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] (Jetstar Japan launches Narita – Manila.). All flights are operated by 180-seat Airbus A320-200s.

Airbus A320-232(SL) JA12JJ prepares for another flight at Narita. Jetstar Japan has capped its fleet at 20 since December 2014 and growth has been achieved by increasing aircraft utilization. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Chubu Centrair – Manila started with four weekly flights, which increases to seven weekly during peak travel periods. Kansai – Manila launched with up to four times weekly, however, sister Jetstar Asia Airways [3K/JSA] already operates three times weekly on the Kansai – Manila route, and together the Jetstar Group will offer up to seven-times-weekly service. Along with Jetstar Airways [JQ/JST], the three carriers had received antitrust immunity from Japanese authorities to coordinate schedules and prices on routes between Japan and Taiwan and the Philippines last October.

The inaugural flight from Chubu Centrair on April 1st departed at 2047 JST, 17 minutes behind schedule, with a load of 179 passengers, including five children. A320-232(SL) JA11JJ was assigned. Meanwhile, the first revenue flight from Kansai on April 7th departed at 2048 JST, 18 minutes behind schedule, carrying 169 passengers. It was operated by A320-232 JA04JJ.

Flight Schedule:
Chubu Centrair – Manila/Ninoy Aquino NEW up to daily with A320-200.
GK095 NGO 2030 – 2335 MNL 32A/320 Fr/Sa/Su *Apr/1-3.
GK095 NGO 2030 – 2335 MNL 32A/320 Mo/Fr/Sa/Su *Apr/4-28, May/9-31.
GK095 NGO 2030 – 2335 MNL 32A/320 Daily *Apr/29-May/8, Jun/1-30.
GK094 MNL 0105 – 0555 NGO 32A/320 Mo/Sa/Su *Apr/2-4.
GK094 MNL 0105 – 0555 NGO 32A/320 Mo/Fr/Sa/Su *Apr/5-29, May/10-Jun/1.
GK094 MNL 0105 – 0555 NGO 32A/320 Daily *Apr/30-May/9, Jun/2-Jul/1.

Kansai – Manila/Ninoy Aquino NEW up to 4 weekly with A320-200.
GK081 KIX 2030 – 2335 MNL 32A/320 Tu/We/Th/Fr *Apr/7-28, Jun/1-30.
GK081 KIX 2030 – 2335 MNL 32A/320 Tu/Th *Apr/29-May/31.
GK080 MNL 0035 – 0530 KIX 32A/320 We/Th/Fr/Sa *Apr/8-29, Jun/2-Jul/1.
GK080 MNL 0035 – 0530 KIX 32A/320 We/Fr *Apr/30-Jun/1.

"Manila is an important city as we expand internationally," said Chairman Masaru Kataoka at Chubu Centrair on the inaugural day, adding "The Chubu (Greater Nagoya) region's Filipino population is big, and there is significant demand for VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travel, something we LCCs are good at catering to and expanding." Mr. Kataoka also said "It may not be common to see airlines launching a destination with three routes at the same time, but that would enable us to leverage synergies and we have a single strategy for the three routes altogether."

Manila becomes Jetstar Japan's second overseas destination from Chubu Centrair after Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] (Jetstar Japan adds Nagoya and Kansai to Taipei.), and the third from Kansai after Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] (Jetstar Japan goes international with Kansai – Hong Kong.) and Taipei. Chubu Centrair – Manila sees Cebu Air [5J/CEB] (d.b.a. Cebu Pacific Air) flying four times weekly and Philippine Airlines [PR/PAL] daily, while Kansai – Manila has Cebu Pacific operating five times weekly, Jetstar Asia three times weekly, and Philippine Airlines daily. Zest Airways [Z2/EZD] (d.b.a. Philippines AirAsia) is preparing to enter the Philippines – Japan market during the second half of this year.

Source: Travel Watch, 2016 April 1st. (in Japanese)
Source: Chunichi Shimbun, 2016 April 2nd. (in Japanese)
Source: Flight Liner, 2016 April 8th. (in Japanese)

Jetstar Japan cuts Nagoya – Kumamoto and Kansai – Oita.

On August 19th, Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] announced that they would suspend Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] – Kumamoto [KMJ/RJFT] and Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Oita [OIT/RJFO] effective October 25th, the beginning of the Winter 2015/2016 timetable. These routes will only have survived just over a year as they were launched on October 26th (Jetstar Japan starts three routes from Kumamoto.) and July 11th (Jetstar Japan to start Kansai – Oita in October.), 2014, respectively. They also become the first terminations since the Japanese affiliate of the Australia-based LCC launched operations on July 3rd, 2012.

Airbus A320-232(SL) JA06JJ at Chubu Centrair. After Kumamoto is axed, Jetstar Japan will continue to serve Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Okinawa/Naha, and Sapporo/New Chitose from the airport serving Nagoya. While it has denied developing it into a hub for now, AirAsia Japan (Mk II) will launch in Spring 2016 with a base here. (Photo: Jetstar Japan)

"There weren't enough passengers and we didn't see demand growing as much as we had expected," said a spokesperson from the Narita-based LCC, adding "We are currently reviewing our entire network." Kansai – Oita has been served daily, while the Chubu Centrair – Kumamoto link was initially started with double-daily but decreased to once-daily from the Summer 2015 schedule. Meanwhile, they will continue to serve Oita from Narita, and Kumamoto from both Narita and Kansai (Jetstar Japan launches Kansai hub.).

Jetstar Japan surpassed 10 millionth passengers on August 5th, beating rival Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] by one day, making it the fastest LCC to achieve that milestone as it launched operations four months later than the Osaka-headquartered rival. As they start adjusting its domestic network, it will slowly shift focus to the international arena; Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] from both Narita (Jetstar Japan starts Narita – Hong Kong.) and Kansai (Jetstar Japan goes international with Kansai – Hong Kong.) will go up to double-daily, and a new international destination is expected to be revealed soon.

On the financial side, profitability has yet to come; another 5 billion JPY is reportedly being prepared for injection together by Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] and Qantas Airways [QF/QFA]. The two biggest shareholders pumped in 11 billion JPY in October 2013 and another 7 billion JPY in October 2014 (Jetstar Japan to receive 11 billion JPY from JAL and Qantas.). "2014 was our bottom. Results have improved, and though I can't say when, we expect to be in the black soon," said Masaru Kataoka, Jetstar Japan's Chairman, adding "Now we are looking to expand into high-demand markets in North Asia and Southeast Asia."

Source: Jetstar Japan, 2015 August 5th. (in Japanese) 
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 August 8th. (in Japanese)
Source: Jetstar Japan, 2015 August 19th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 August 19th. (in Japanese)

Jetstar Japan starts Narita – Hong Kong.

On June 1st, Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] inaugurated Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] (Jetstar Japan announces Narita – Hong Kong.), making it their second international route after Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Hong Kong (Jetstar Japan goes international with Kansai – Hong Kong.), which was only launched on February 28th. Operated by 180-seat Airbus A320s, the three-times-weekly service will gradually be increased to daily by September 1st.

Airbus A320-232(SL) JA08JJ is being pushed back for the inaugural flight. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Flown by Airbus A320-232(SL) JA08JJ, maiden flight GK021 departed Narita at 0900 JST carrying 170 passengers, five flight attendants, and two pilots. One-way Starter fares, which include a seven-kilogram carry-on baggage allowance, will start from 7,500 JPY, excluding taxes and a fuel surcharge.

Flight Schedule:
Narita – Hong Kong NEW 3 weekly with A320-200. (June/1 - Jul/17)
GK021 NRT 0900 – 1240 HKG 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Th
GK022 HKG 1340 – 1900 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Th 

Narita – Hong Kong 6 weekly with A320-200. (July/18 - Aug/7, Aug/17 - 31)
GK021 NRT 0900 – 1240 HKG 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Th/Fr
GK021 NRT 0935 – 1315 HKG 32A/320 We/Su
GK022 HKG 1340 – 1900 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Th/Fr
GK022 HKG 1415 – 1935 NRT 32A/320 We/Su

Narita – Hong Kong 4 weekly with A320-200. (Aug/8 - 16)
GK021 NRT 0900 – 1240 HKG 32A/320 Mo/Th/Fr
GK021 NRT 0935 – 1315 HKG 32A/320 Su
GK022 HKG 1340 – 1900 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Th/Fr
GK22 HKG 1415 – 1935 NRT 32A/320 Su

Narita – Hong Kong 1 daily with A320-200. (Sep/1 - Oct/24)
GK021 NRT 0900 – 1240 HKG 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Fr
GK021 NRT 0935 – 1315 HKG 32A/320 We/Th/Sa/Su
GK022 HKG 1340 – 1900 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Fr
GK022 HKG 1415 – 1935 NRT 32A/320 We/Th/Sa/Su

Hong Kong becomes Jetstar Japan's first international destination from Narita, and the LCC group's fourth after Cairns [CNS/YBCS], Gold Coast [OOL/YBCG], and Melbourne/Tullamarine [MEL/YMML], all three of which are served by Australian sister Jetstar Airways [JQ/JST]. The growing Narita-based LCC carried their 9 millionth passenger on May 26th, the fastest of any Japanese LCC, and currently operates 21 routes covering 12 cities, including the former British colony.

In the coming months, Jetstar Japan intends to expand its international presence to destinations within a four-hour radius from Kansai and Narita, with South Korea and Taiwan also on its radar. Its fleet would be capped at 20 aircraft for now, as it concentrates on bringing up utilization. Asked about a third hub after Kansai (Jetstar Japan launches Kansai hub.), Chairman Masaru Kataoka said "We do need a few more hubs to increase utilization," though he refrained from disclosing any candidate cities. 

Source: Jetstar Japan, June 1st. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, June 1st. (in Japanese)

Jetstar Japan announces Narita – Hong Kong.

On April 7th, Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] announced that they will commence Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] on June 1st. It becomes the Narita-based LCC's second international route after Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Hong Kong (Jetstar Japan goes international with Kansai – Hong Kong.), which was started on February 28th, and the first overseas link from their home base. The new service will start out with three weekly flights, and will gradually increase to daily from September 1st.

Airbus A320-232(SL) JA18JJ approaching Narita. The fleet of 180-seat A320s is capped at 20 for now, and new services will come from increasing utilization. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

180-seat Airbus A320s will be deployed. One-way Starter fares, which include a seven-kilogram carry-on baggage allowance, will start from 7,500 JPY, excluding taxes and a fuel surcharge. Tickets will go on sale on April 8th at 1400 JST, and a 990-JPY promotional fare will be offered in limited numbers.

Flight Schedule:
Narita – Hong Kong NEW 3 weekly with A320-200. (June/1 - Jul/17)
GK21 NRT 0900 – 1240 HKG 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Th
GK22 HKG 1340 – 1900 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Th

Narita – Hong Kong 6 weekly with A320-200. (July/18 - Aug/7, Aug/17 - 31)
GK21 NRT 0900 – 1240 HKG 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Th/Fr
GK21 NRT 0935 – 1315 HKG 32A/320 We/Su
GK22 HKG 1340 – 1900 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Th/Fr
GK22 HKG 1415 – 1935 NRT 32A/320 We/Su

Narita – Hong Kong 4 weekly with A320-200. (Aug/8 - 16)
GK21 NRT 0900 – 1240 HKG 32A/320 Mo/Th/Fr
GK21 NRT 0935 – 1315 HKG 32A/320 Su
GK22 HKG 1340 – 1900 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Th/Fr
GK22 HKG 1415 – 1935 NRT 32A/320 Su

Narita – Hong Kong 1 daily with A320-200. (Sep/1 - Oct/24)
GK21 NRT 0900 – 1240 HKG 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Fr
GK21 NRT 0935 – 1315 HKG 32A/320 We/Th/Sa/Su
GK22 HKG 1340 – 1900 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Fr
GK22 HKG 1415 – 1935 NRT 32A/320 We/Th/Sa/Su

Jetstar Japan becomes the third LCC to enter the Tokyo – Hong Kong market, after Vanilla Air [JW/VNL], which operates twice daily from Narita (Vanilla Air inaugurates Hong Kong.), and Hong Kong Express Airways [UO/HKE] (d.b.a. HK Express), which operates twice daily from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] and once daily from Narita. Full-service carriers All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA], Cathay Pacific Airways [CX/CPA], and Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] all serve the route from both Tokyo airports.

Meanwhile, the Kansai – Hong Kong service seems to be doing well so far, with load factors reportedly hovering well above 80%. Although they were expecting 60% of the passengers to be non-Japanese, that figure is more than 80%, according to the airline. The Japanese unit of the Australian-born LCC is also expanding its domestic network, having launched Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] – Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] on March 29th (Jetstar Japan commences Nagoya – Okinawa.).

In other news, long-time Jetstar Group executive Gerry Turner has been appointed the new CEO of Jetstar Japan effective April 1st. Mr. Turner, a former Ryanair [FR/RYR] executive from Ireland who helped launch Jetstar Airways [JQ/JST] with now Qantas Airways [QF/QFA] boss Alan Joyce in 2004, replaces Miyuki Suzuki, who stepped down on March 31st for another executive role, understood to be at Cisco Japan. As Japanese carriers are required to have a Japanese president, Masaru Kataoka, Jetstar Group's regional general manager in Japan, has been promoted to become Chairman and Representative Director.

Source: Jetstar Japan, April 1st. (in Japanese)
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, April 1st. (in English)
Source: Jetstar Japan, April 7th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, April 7th. (in Japanese)