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)

Jetstar Japan goes international with Kansai – Hong Kong.

On February 28th, Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] launched their long-awaited first international service linking Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] and Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] (Jetstar Japan loads first international to Hong Kong.). The new route will be served three times weekly using 180-seat Airbus A320s. Operated by A320-232(SL) JA19JJ, inaugural flight GK061 departed Kansai at 0956 JST with a load of 179 passengers and landed at Hong Kong at 1308 HKT. 170 passengers boarded the return leg.

Airbus A320-232(SL) JA19JJ departs Hong Kong for her return leg to Kansai on the inaugural day. Jetstar Japan is the first Japanese LCC to reach 20 aircraft. The fleet will be kept at 20 for the foreseeable future, and expansion will come from increasing utilization. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Until March 28th, the round-trip will be operated on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, except for March 3rd. From the Summer 2015 timetable effective March 29th, it will switch to Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. One-way fares start from 5,990 JPY for the basic Starter fare, which includes a seven-kilogram carry-on baggage allowance. The price does not include fuel surcharges, taxes, and a processing fee.

Flight Schedule:
Kansai – Hong Kong NEW 3 weekly with A320-200. (Feb/28 - July/17)
GK061 KIX 0955 – 1310 HKG 32A/320 Sa *Feb/28 only.
GK061 KIX 0840 – 1155 HKG 32A/320 Tu *Mar/3 only.
GK061 KIX 0835 – 1150 HKG 32A/320 Fr/Su *Mar/6 - 28.
GK061 KIX 0955 – 1310 HKG 32A/320 Sa *Mar/6 - 28.
GK063 KIX 1720 – 2015 HKG 32A/320 We/Fr/Su *Mar/29 - Jul/17.
GK062 HKG 1410 – 1825 KIX 32A/320 Sa *Feb/28 only.
GK062 HKG 1300 – 1715 KIX 32A/320 Tu *Mar/3 only.
GK062 HKG 1245 – 1700 KIX 32A/320 Fr/Su *Mar/6 - 28.
GK062 HKG 1410 – 1825 KIX 32A/320 Sa *Mar/6 - 28.
GK064 HKG 2125 – 0205(+1) KIX 32A/320 We/Fr/Su *Mar/29 - Jul/17.

"We feel a connection with Kansai. It was the first airport in Japan our Jetstar Group started serving, when Jetstar Airways [JQ/JST] launched flights in 2007," said CEO Miyuki Suzuki. Asked about the modest frequency, "Stabilizing our operations at Kansai is our priority; then we will consider adding more flights," Mrs. Suzuki answered. Regarding pilot shortage, which caused massive travel disruptions at competitors Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] (Peach outlines Summer 2014 mass cancellations.) and Vanilla Air [JW/VNL] (Vanilla Air cancels 154 flights in June due to pilot shortage.) last summer, Mrs. Suzuki confirmed "We have enough recruits."

The Kansai – Hong Kong route sees LCC competition with homegrown Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] and Hong Kong Express Airways [UO/HKE] (d.b.a. HK Express) both flying twice daily. Jetstar Japan will also need to fight with some full-service carriers; Air India [AI/AIC] flies three times weekly, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] once daily, and Cathay Pacific Airways [CX/CPA] five to six daily. 33.3%-owner Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] does not operate the route. However, if sister carrier Jetstar Hong Kong [JM/JKT] can secure an operating permit from the local authorities, synergies, including connections, could help both.

The Narita-based LCC, which took delivery of its 20th A320 in December, finally launched their second hub at Kansai last June (Jetstar Japan launches Kansai hub.), after repeated delays caused by shortage of maintenance crews (Jetstar Japan delays Kansai hub, cancels 101 flights.). Besides the new Hong Kong service, it currently operates 18 domestic routes covering 11 cities, with Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] – Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] to be added next month (Jetstar Japan to start Nagoya – Okinawa.). Asked about new routes, Mrs. Suzuki replied "We hope to launch a couple of new destinations from Narita and Kansai by the end of this year," without mentioning any candidate cities.

Source: Aviation Wire, February 28th. (in Japanese)

Jetstar Japan starts three routes from Kumamoto.

On October 26th, Jetstar Japan (GK/JJP) launched Kumamoto (KMJ/RJFT) with double-daily flights each to and from Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG), Osaka/Kansai (KIX/RJBB), and Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA) (Jetstar Japan to launch Kumamoto with three routes.). The capital city of Kumamoto prefecture becomes their fourth destination in Kyushu, and their 11th city overall in their growing network. Jetstar Japan is the first LCC to serve Kumamoto.

Airbus A320-232(SL) JA11JJ takes off from Kumamoto bound for Nagoya Chubu Centrair as their first departure from the Kyushu airport. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The inaugural arrival, flight GK611 from Narita operated by Airbus A320-232(SL) JA11JJ, touched down at Kumamoto at 0806 JST with a load of 140 passengers. It was greeted by a traditional water cannon salute before coming to a stop at Gate 6. The first departure, flight GK680 to Chubu Centrair, was delayed by a towing bar malfunction, and took off at 0933, approximately 30 minutes behind schedule, carrying 108 passengers. Jetstar Japan's A320s seat 180 in an all-economy layout.

Flight Schedule:
Narita – Kumamoto NEW 2 daily with A320-200. 
GK611 NRT 0620 – 0820 KMJ 32A/320 Mo/Fr/Sa/Su *Oct/26 - Dec/15, Jan/9 - Feb/16. 
GK611 NRT 0620 – 0820 KMJ 32A/320 Daily *Dec/19 - Jan/5, Feb/20 - Mar/28. 
GK613 NRT 0820 – 1020 KMJ 32A/320 Tu/We/Th *Oct/28 - Dec/18, Jan/6 - Feb/19. 
GK615 NRT 1345 – 1550 KMJ 32A/320 Daily 
GK610 KMJ 1245 – 1430 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Fr/Sa/Su *Oct/26 - Dec/15, Jan/9 - Feb/16. 
GK610 KMJ 1245 – 1430 NRT 32A/320 Daily *Dec/19 - Jan/5, Feb/20 - Mar/28. 
GK612 KMJ 1430 – 1615 NRT 32A/320 Tu/We/Th *Jan/6 - Feb/19. 
GK612 KMJ 1435 – 1620 NRT 32A/320 Tu/We/Th *Oct/28 - Dec/18. 
GK614 KMJ 2000 – 2145 NRT 32A/320 Daily  

Kansai – Kumamoto NEW 2 daily with A320-200. 
GK671 KIX 0810 – 0935 KMJ 32A/320 Daily GK673 KIX 1520 – 1645 KMJ 32A/320 Daily 
GK672 KMJ 1005 – 1110 KIX 32A/320 Daily GK674 KMJ 1715 – 1820 KIX 32A/320 Daily  

Kumamoto – Chubu Centrair NEW 2 daily with A320-200. 
GK681 NGO 1045 – 1210 KMJ 32A/320 Mo/Fr/Sa/Su *Oct/26 – Dec/15, Jan/9 - Feb/16. 
GK681 NGO 1045 – 1210 KMJ 32A/320 Daily *Dec/19 - Jan/5, Feb/20 - Mar/28. 
GK683 NGO 1235 – 1400 KMJ 32A/320 Tu/We/Th *Jan/6 - Feb/19. 
GK683 NGO 1240 – 1405 KMJ 32A/320 Tu/We/Th *Oct/28 - Dec/18. 
GK685 NGO 1805 – 1930 KMJ 32A/320 Daily 
GK680 KMJ 0850 – 1000 NGO 32A/320 Mo/Fr/Sa/Su *Oct/26 – Dec/15, Jan/9 - Feb/16. 
GK680 KMJ 0850 – 1000 NGO 32A/320 Daily *Dec/19 - Jan/5, Feb/20 - Mar/28. 
GK682 KMJ 1050 – 1200 NGO 32A/320 Tu/We/Th *Oct/28 - Dec/18, Jan/6 - Feb/19.
GK684 KMJ 1620 – 1730 NGO 32A/320 Daily

"We want everyone to feel free to use us. From those visiting relatives to travelers, we want everyone to make good use of our high-frequency, low-fare services to do that multiple times in one year," said Miyuki Suzuki, CEO of Jetstar Japan. "The inauguration means a lot to us. Opening up these new links to Narita, Kansai, and Chubu greatly enhances our connection to the rest of the world," responded Ikuo Kabashima, Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, adding "Whenever I go to Tokyo, I will use Jetstar as much as I can!"

Asked which city would be the next on Jetstar Japan's network, Mrs. Suzuki replied "Nothing has been decided yet. For now, we will concentrate on promoting our latest destination." The Japanese affiliate of the successful Australian LCC has yet to serve a city in the northeast, notably Akita (AXT/RJSK), Aomori (AOJ/RJSA), and Sendai (SDJ/RJSS), so it may be one of them. They are also expected to commence international flights to neighboring Asian countries by Spring 2015.

Reference: Aviation Wire, October 26th. (in Japanese)

Jetstar Japan launches Kansai hub.

Jetstar Japan (GK/JJP) launched their long-awaited Osaka/Kansai (KIX/RJBB) hub on June 12th with flight GK551, service to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF), which departed at 0637 JST. The Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA)-based LCC will base up to three Airbus A320s along with 80 pilots, cabin attendants, and maintenance crews at the airport which is home to rival Peach Aviation (MM/APJ).

Airbus A320-232 JA09JJ climbing out of Narita. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Originally planned for launch in October 2012, the Kansai base had been delayed five times due to the shortage of maintenance crews as well as heavy losses when the LCC finally submitted plans to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to start the hub from June 3rd (Jetstar Japan to launch Kansai hub from June.). However, simulating coordination with maintenance contractor JAL Engineering (JALEC), a subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JL/JAL), revealed more time necessary, and it was delayed for the sixth time to today (Jetstar Japan delays Kansai hub, cancels 101 flights.).

Jetstar Japan's network from Kansai hub:
Kansai – Fukuoka up to 2 round-trips with 32A/320.
Kansai – Okinawa/Naha (OKA/ROAH) up to 3 round-trips with 32A/320. 
Kansai – Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) up to 2 round-trips with 32A/320.
Kansai – Narita up to 6 round-trips with 32A/320.

Yet, Jetstar Japan becomes the first LCC in the country to reach the milestone of opening a second hub. Peach is expected to follow shortly with a second hub at Naha to be launched on July 19th (Peach announces Naha - Fukuoka.), while Vanilla Air (JW/VNL) still struggles to make their network work from Narita, and the new AirAsia Japan (Mk II) seems to be preparing a hub at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) (New AirAsia Japan to be based at Nagoya Chubu Centrair.) with launch expected in the first quarter of 2015.

Although initial plans boasted a fleet of 24 aircraft by the end of 2014, the Japanese affiliate of Australia's Jetstar Airways (JQ/JST) has been capping its fleet at 18 A320s, with CEO Miyuki Suzuki confirming "deliveries would be slowed down," and "spread through the next fiscal year." Now that the Kansai hub is up and running, Jetstar Japan will move on to launch international routes sometime during the Winter 2014/2015 schedule. Nothing has been disclosed, however, the planned destinations are "within a four-to-five-hour radius from Narita," according to Mrs. Suzuki.

Jetstar Japan is owned 33.3% by Qantas Airways (QF/QFA), 33.3% by JAL, 16.7% by Mitsubishi, and 16.7% by Century Tokyo Leasing.

Source: Aviation Wire, June 12th. (in Japanese)

Jetstar Japan's first company-trained Captain is flying.

Jetstar Japan's (GK/JJP) first company-trained Airbus A320 Captain commenced flying on March 3rd. The Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA)-based LCC started training three pilots in October 2013 at CAE's training center in South Korea to make them Captains. A total of 10 pilots are currently being trained, and a new Captain is to come on-line each month.

Jetstar Japan CEO Miyuki Suzuki puts the Captain's coat on Mr. Mitsuhashi. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Pilot Kuniyasu Mitsuhashi had the honor of being the first. He originally started his career with Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) with Boeing 747-400s and later B777s, and became First Officer on long-haul international routes in 1998. After a brief spell with a domestic commuter airline flying Embraer E-Jets, he joined Jetstar Japan in January 2012, attracted by the LCC's high-frequency operations that would allow him to gain more experience. His first flights as Captain were GK603/602, a Narita - Oita (OIT/RJFO) round-trip.

Jetstar Japan has hired fashion model and actress Mirei Kiritani as 'brand ambassador'. Her signature is on the L1 door of Airbus A320-232(SL) JA18JJ. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Although Jetstar Japan's hefty losses are one of the reasons why expansion is on hold, the shortage of Airbus A320 pilots as well as maintenance personnel in Boeing-dominant Japan has been a factor in delaying launch of its second hub at Osaka/Kansai (KIX/RJBB) several times. Newcomer Spring Airlines Japan (SJO), which is expected to commence service in May, selected the Boeing 737 for that reason instead of the Airbus narrow-body jetliners Spring Airlines (9C/CQH) already operates.

Source: Traicy, March 3rd. (in Japanese)
Source: Tokyo Shimbun, March 4th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, March 5th. (in Japanese) 

*Post edited/updated on March 5th.