Vanilla Air adds Kansai – Taipei, plans SE Asia in 4Q2016.

On April 27th, Vanilla Air [JW/VNL] inaugurated Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] (Vanilla Air announces Kansai – Taipei.). The new daily red-eye service is actually a spoke from Taiwan's capital, making Osaka's premier gateway the fledgling LCCs fourth destination in Japan, but the first not linking with their hub at Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA]. All flights are operated by 180-seat Airbus A320-200s.

Airbus A320-214(SL) JA05VA at Kansai waiting for her inaugural outbound flight to Taipei. Vanilla Air received its ninth A320 on April 22nd, and will receive two more during FY2016. The three aircraft are leased from BOC Aviation to ANA, which sub-leases them to Vanilla. Its fleet is projected to reach 25 by FY2020. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The aircraft for Taipei – Kansai arrives into Taipei as the last flight of the day from Narita just past midnight, and turns around for the inbound flight to Kansai. After a brief 60-minute stay, it departs for Taipei as the outbound flight from Kansai, in time for the first flight of the day from Taipei back to Narita. One-way fares start from 6,490 JPY for a ticket with no baggage allowance (Simple Vanilla) and 9,490 JPY for an inclusive ticket with 20 kilograms of baggage allowance plus free seat selection (Komi-komi Vanilla).

Flight Schedule:
Kansai – Taipei/Taoyuan NEW daily with A320-200.
JW178 TPE 2150 – 0135(+1) KIX 32A/320 Daily *Apr/27 - Sep/13.
JW178 TPE 2235 – 0220(+1) KIX 32A/320 Daily *Sep/13 - Oct/29.
JW179 KIX 0235 – 0430 TPE 32A/320 Daily *Apr/28 - Sep/14.
JW179 KIX 0315 – 0510 TPE 32A/320 Daily *Sep/14 - Oct/30.

Maiden inbound flight JW178 departed Taipei at 2145 CST, five minutes before published time, with a load of 114 passengers, and arrived at Kansai at 0112 JST, 23 minutes before schedule, on April 28th. Meanwhile, the first outbound flight JW179 blocked out from Kansai at 0233 JST, two minutes early, carrying 120 passengers, and arrived at Taoyuan Airport at 0440 CST, 10 minutes behind schedule. A320-214(SL) JA05VA was assigned to both flights.

A second round-trip is already being considered, which would put them in direct competition against part-sister Peach Aviation [MM/APJ]. Kansai – Taipei now boasts LCCs Jetstar Asia Airways [3K/JSA], Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] (Jetstar Japan adds Nagoya and Kansai to Taipei.), homegrown Peach, Tigerair Taiwan [IT/TTW], and V Air [ZV/VAX], alongside legacy carriers Cathay Pacific Airways [CX/CPA], China Airlines [CI/CAL], EVA Air [BR/EVA], Japan Airlines [JL/JAL], and TransAsia Airways [GE/TNA]. Philippine Airlines [PR/PAL] is preparing to enter on June 25th as the 12th airline, making it the route with the most carriers in the world.

Vanilla Air has opened a reservations center in Taipei, and the new service is part of their strategy to make Taoyuan Airport its second hub, and their first outside Japan (Vanilla Air eyes China, Southeast Asia, and Okinawa hub.). From Taipei, it currently flies to Narita four times daily, and plans are underway to add Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam using fifth freedom rights, as well as Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC]. "We hope to launch our first city in Southeast Asia by year-end. We've already decided which city, but we can't disclose that yet," said Katsuya Goto, Vanilla's new President from April 1st. It will coincide with the delivery of their 10th A320 this autumn.

"Together with Kaohsiung (Vanilla Air launches Kaohsiung but slows expansion.), the Taiwan market generates roughly 50-60% of our revenue, and 70-80% of our customers are Taiwanese," said Chairman Tomonori Ishii, who was promoted from President effective April 1st, adding "So Taiwan-originating travelers will probably make up most of our customer base for our first flights to Southeast Asia, but as we grow our network, we believe the Japanese will come along as well." In preparation for their Taipei hub, Vanilla has started offering a fly-through product, for now only available through Narita, which guarantees connections between their flights. An interline agreement with a LCC in Southeast Asia is also being considered.

The Narita-based LCC is expected to announce its first full-year profit for FY2015, which ended on March 31st. Vanilla Air is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ANA Holdings, parent of All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA].

Source: Toyo Keizai, 2016 April 9th. (in Japanese)
Source: Nikkei Business, 2016 April 15th. (in Japanese)
Source: Traicy, 2016 April 28th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 April 28th. (in Japanese)
Source: MyNavi, 2016 April 28th. (in Japanese)

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)

Vanilla Air announces Kansai – Taipei.

On March 14th, Vanilla Air [JW/VNL] revealed that it will launch Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] on April 27th, making it just in time for Japan's Golden Week peak travel period (Vanilla Air to add Kansai – Taipei in Summer 2016.). The new service will be operated daily using 180-seat Airbus A320-200s. Kansai becomes the fledgling LCCs fourth destination in Japan, but the first not linking with Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA], where it is based and all flights currently depart from.

Airbus A320-216(SL) JA01VA rotates from Amami bound for Narita. Vanilla Air will take delivery of their ninth A320 in April followed by the 10th in autumn. It plans to add up to five during FY2016 and build its fleet to 25 by FY2020. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The aircraft for Taipei – Kansai arrives into Taiwan's largest city as the last flight of the day from Narita just past midnight, and turns around for the red-eye inbound flight to Kansai. After a brief 60-minute stay, it departs for Taipei as the outbound flight from Kansai, in time for the first flight of the day from Taipei back to Narita. Tickets went on sale on March 15th at 1400 JST with one-way fares starting from 6,490 JPY.

Flight Schedule:
Kansai – Taipei/Taoyuan NEW daily with A320-200.
JW178 TPE 2150 – 0135(+1) KIX 32A/320 Daily *Apr/27 - Sep/13.
JW178 TPE 2235 – 0220(+1) KIX 32A/320 Daily *Sep/13 - Oct/29.
JW179 KIX 0235 – 0430 TPE 32A/320 Daily *Apr/28 - Sep/14.
JW179 KIX 0315 – 0510 TPE 32A/320 Daily *Sep/14 - Oct/30.

This schedule is similar to how part-sister Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] flies into Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] from Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI] (Peach Aviation starts Haneda – Seoul.) and Taipei (Peach Aviation inaugurates Haneda – Taipei.). However, it is ironic that Peach does it to access Haneda, where only midnight international slots are available, while Vanilla will do it to get around the curfew it endures at Narita and increase aircraft utilization.

Vanilla is expected to report its first full-year profit of an estimated 1.5 billion JPY for FY2015 ending on March 31st. In January, parent ANA Holdings had publicly announced that it would have its wholly-owned LCC arm build hubs at Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] and Taipei (Vanilla Air eyes China, Southeast Asia, and Okinawa hub.). Vanilla has already opened a reservations center in Taipei, and hopes to add flights to Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam by 2020 using fifth freedom rights, effectively making the Taiwanese capital a transfer hub with strong local demand as well.

Japan – Taiwan is a booming market with a plethora of LCCs alongside full-service airlines operating, but also now highly-competitive, with Kansai – Taipei soon to become the route with the most carriers in the world with a dozen airlines. Current LCCs include Jetstar Asia Airways [3K/JSA], Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] (Jetstar Japan adds Nagoya and Kansai to Taipei.), homegrown Peach, Tigerair Taiwan [IT/TTW], and V Air [ZV/VAX], while legacy carriers include Cathay Pacific Airways [CX/CPA], China Airlines [CI/CAL], EVA Air [BR/EVA], Japan Airlines [JL/JAL], and TransAsia Airways [GE/TNA], with Philippine Airlines [PR/PAL] posed to enter from June 25th.

Source: Nikkei Business, 2016 March 10th. (in Japanese)
Source: Vanilla Air, 2016 March 14th. (in Japanese)

Jetstar Japan reveals Manila, downsizes Kumamoto.

On January 19th, Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] announced that it will add Manila/Ninoy Aquino [MNL/RPLL] to its network this spring (Jetstar Japan launches Taipei, next up Manila.), with service from Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] commencing on March 15th, Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] on April 1st, and Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] on April 7th. All flights will be operated by 180-seat Airbus A320-200s. This marks the first time a Japanese LCC lands in the Philippines.

Airbus A320-232(SL) JA19JJ taxies for departure from Narita's Terminal 3, dedicated to LCCs. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Narita – Manila will initially start off with three weekly round-trips, gradually increasing to up to seven times weekly. Chubu Centrair – Manila will commence with up to seven weekly, and Kansai – Manila with up to four times weekly. 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 had received antitrust immunity from Japanese authorities to coordinate schedules and prices on routes between Japan and Taiwan and the Philippines last October.

Flight Schedule:
Narita – Manila/Ninoy Aquino NEW up to daily with A320-200.
GK041 NRT 2005 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Tu/Th/Sa *Mar/15-19.
GK041 NRT 2005 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Mo/Tu/We/Th/Sa *Mar/20-26.
GK041 NRT 2010 – 0010(+1) MNL 32A/320 Fr *Mar/20-26.
GK041 NRT 2030 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Tu/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *Mar/27-Apr/3.
GK041 NRT 2030 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Tu/We/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *Apr/4-28.
GK041 NRT 2030 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Daily *Apr/29-May/8, Jun/1-30.
GK041 NRT 2030 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Tu/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *May/9-31.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0615 NRT 32A/320 We/Fr/Su *Mar/16-20.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0615 NRT 32A/320 Tu/We/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *Mar/21-27.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0635 NRT 32A/320 Mo *Mar/28.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0635 NRT 32A/320 We/Fr *Mar/29-Apr/4.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0635 NRT 32A/320 We/Th *Apr/5-29.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0635 NRT 32A/320 We *May/10-Jun/10.
GK040 MNL 0035 – 0605 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Sa/Su *Mar/29-Apr/4.
GK040 MNL 0035 – 0605 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Sa/Su *Apr/5-29.
GK040 MNL 0035 – 0605 NRT 32A/320 Daily *Apr/30-May/9.
GK040 MNL 0035 – 0605 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Sa/Su *May/10-Jun/1.
GK040 MNL 0035 – 0605 NRT 32A/320 Daily *Jun/2-Jul/1.

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.

All flights leave Japan in the evening, arriving in the Philippines past midnight, and make a red-eye departure for an early-morning return back to Japan. Tickets went on sale at 1600 JST today, and promotional fares are offered for all three new routes starting from one-way 990 JPY, excluding tax and fuel surcharges. The promotion is limited to 2,000 seats, and are only available for 26 hours. Normal one-way fares start from 9,000 JPY for Narita – Manila and Chubu Centrair – Manila and 8,500 JPY for Kansai – Manila, both excluding tax and fuel surcharges.

Narita – Manila is currently served by All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] (daily), Cebu Air [5J/CEB] (d.b.a. Cebu Pacific Air) (daily), Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] (x2 daily), Delta Air Lines [DL/DAL] (daily), and Philippine Airlines [PR/PAL] (x2 daily), while Chubu Centrair – Manila sees Cebu Pacific (x4 weekly) and Philippine Airlines (daily) and Kansai – Manila has Cebu Pacific (x5 weekly), Jetstar Asia (x3 weekly), and Philippine Airlines (daily). Zest Airways [Z2/EZD] (d.b.a. AirAsia Zest) is preparing to enter the Philippines – Japan market during the second half of 2016.

Meanwhile, on January 15th, Jetstar Japan had disclosed that it would axe Kansai – Kumamoto [KMJ/RJFT] effective March 27th, the beginning of the Summer 2016 timetable. It was initially launched on October 26th, 2014 with two round-trips per day (Jetstar Japan starts three routes from Kumamoto.), but later reduced to daily. Recent load factors have reportedly hovered around 50-60%. It becomes the third route suspended by the growing LCC after Chubu Centrair – Kumamoto and Kansai – Oita [OIT/RJFO] (Jetstar Japan cuts Nagoya – Kumamoto and Kansai – Oita.).

Source: Jetstar Japan, 2016 January 15th. (in Japanese)
Source: Jetstar Japan, 2016 January 19th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 January 19th. (in Japanese)

Vanilla Air to add Kansai – Taipei in Summer 2016.

Vanilla Air [JW/VNL] will commence Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] sometime during the Summer 2016 schedule, which comes into effect on March 27th. Kansai becomes the fledgling LCCs fourth destination in Japan, but the first not originating from or arriving into Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA], where it is based and all flights currently depart from. It has already started hiring ground staff, and descriptions say Chinese fluency is welcomed and initial work would be in the early hours after midnight.

Airbus A320-216(SL) JA01VA takes off from Narita. Vanilla Air's fleet had been capped at eight since FY2014, however, it is now posed for expansion in FY2016 with up to five aircraft to be added. (Photo: Vanilla Air)

The ANA Holdings' 100% subsidiary LCC currently flies four round-trips between Narita and Taiwan's capital. Its fourth flight out of Narita arrives into Taipei right past midnight, and sits on the ground for approximately six hours until its flight back to Narita, and Vanilla is expected to squeeze a Taipei – Kansai round-trip in that time frame. This is how sister LCC Peach Aviation [MM/APJ], minority owned by ANA, flies into Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] from Taipei (Peach Aviation inaugurates Haneda – Taipei.) and soon Seoul (Peach Aviation announces Haneda – Seoul.) during the early hours without having to base aircraft there.

Vanilla initially planned to add two Airbus A320s during FY2015, however, that was put on hold with ANA Holdings President Shinya Katanozaka also saying achieving its first full year of profit for FY2015 needed come first (Vanilla Air launches Kaohsiung but slows expansion.). But now with brand recognition gradually but firmly increasing and load factors showing significant improvements, the Narita-based LCC intends to add up to five A320s during FY2016 for expansion. President Tomonori Ishii has said China, Micronesia, Philippines were on their radar, though they view time is still not right to resume South Korea, which it axed in March 2015 (Vanilla Air to suspend Seoul.).

Vanilla's arrival in Kansai means encroaching into the stronghold of Peach, which already flies three round-trips on the Kansai – Taipei route. But for now with Vanilla opting for a red-eye flight for Kansai and Peach using that time to fly Taipei – Haneda instead, the two are effectively avoiding direct competition. However, as their respective network and frequencies grow, overlap would eventually become inevitable, and it would be interesting to see how ANA manages the two LCCs, with one only minority-owned (yet still significant) and relatively independent.

 Source: MyNavi, 2015 December 25th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 January 7th. (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)

Jetstar Japan adds Nagoya and Kansai to Taipei.

Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] launched Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] on December 11th and Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] – Taipei/Taoyuan on December 12th (Jetstar Japan is coming to Taipei in November.), roughly two weeks after adding Taiwan's capital on November 27th with a link from Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] (Jetstar Japan launches Taipei, next up Manila.). The three-times-weekly services will be increased to daily from December 23rd and 24th, respectively. All flights are operated by 180-seat Airbus A320s.

Airbus A320-232(SL) JA14JJ departs Narita. Jetstar Japan's fleet is capped at 20 for the time being, and new services are launched by increasing aircraft utilization. (Photo: Jetstar Japan)

The inaugural flight from Kansai departed on December 11th at 2210 JST, 10 minutes behind schedule, and landed in Taoyuan at 0000 CST, 10 minutes before published time. A320-232(SL) JA17JJ was assigned. Meanwhile, the first flight from Chubu Centrair departed on December 12th at 0731 JST, six minutes early, and touched down at Taoyuan at 0939 CST, 11 minutes before schedule. A320-232(SL) JA18JJ was deployed.

Flight Schedule:
Osaka/Kansai – Taipei/Taoyuan NEW three weekly with A320-200 (daily from Dec/23).
GK51 KIX 2200 – 0010(+1) TPE 32A/320 We/Fr/Su *Dec/11 - 20.
GK51 KIX 2200 – 0010(+1) TPE 32A/320 Daily *From Dec/23.
GK50 TPE 1040 – 1405 KIX 32A/320 Mo/Th/Sa *Dec/12 - 21.
GK50 TPE 1040 – 1405 KIX 32A/320 Daily *From Dec/24.

Nagoya/Chubu Centrair – Taipei/Taoyuan NEW three weekly with A320-200 (daily from Dec/24).
GK91 NGO 0725 – 0950 TPE 32A/320 Mo/Th/Sa *Dec/12 - 21.
GK91 NGO 0725 – 0950 TPE 32A/320 Daily *From Dec/24.
GK92 TPE 0110 – 0445 NGO 32A/320 Mo/Th/Sa *Dec/12 - 21.
GK92 TPE 0110 – 0445 NGO 32A/320 Daily *From Dec/24.

Although Nagoya – Taipei/Taoyuan is a new route for the Jetstar Group, Kansai – Taipei/Taoyuan already has sister Jetstar Asia Airways [3K/JSA] operating up to twice daily. The two together with Jetstar Airways [JQ/JST] have antitrust immunity to coordinate flight times and prices on international routes between Japan and Taiwan and the Philippines.

Japan – Taiwan is fast becoming a highly competitive market, though so far there seems to be enough room for all to claim a slice of the growing pie. Kansai – Taipei/Taoyuan is served by China Airlines [CI/CAL], EVA Airways [BR/EVA], Japan Airlines [JL/JAL], Peach Aviation [MM/APJ], Tigerair Taiwan [IT/TTW], and TransAsia Airways [GE/TNA], while Nagoya – Taipei/Taoyuan, a route that only had China Airlines and JAL until recently, sees competition from V Air [ZV/VAX] starting December 16th, Tigerair Taiwan from January 29th, 2016, and AirAsia Japan [DJ] from April next year (New AirAsia Japan receives AOC; takeoff in April 2016.).

Source: Traicy, 2015 December 12th. (in Japanese)

Peach Aviation announces Haneda – Seoul.

On November 11th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] revealed that they will commence Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] – Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI] on February 5th, 2015. It will become their second route from the downtown Tokyo airport after Taipei (Peach Aviation inaugurates Haneda – Taipei.), which was only launched in August, and their 10th international route overall. On the same day, they are also adding a fourth round-trip between Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] and Seoul.

Airbus A320-214 JA817P/F-WWBZ at Toulouse Blagnac. Peach's 17th aircraft will be delivered later this month. (Photo: Tobias Gudat)

Along with Peach's Taipei link from Haneda, the new service will also use the heavily-regulated airport's under-utilized midnight slot-pairs reserved exclusively for international routes. The aircraft for the Seoul – Haneda route arrives into Seoul as the fourth flight from Kansai late in the evening, and turns around for the inbound flight to Haneda. After a brief 60-minute stay, it returns to Seoul as the outbound red-eye flight from Haneda, in time for the first flight of the day from Seoul back to Kansai.

Flight Schedule:
Haneda – Seoul/Incheon NEW 1 daily with A320-200.
MM1009 HND 0200 – 0435 ICN 320 Daily *From Feb/6.
MM1008 ICN 2250 – 0100(+1) HND 320 Daily *From Feb/5.

Kansai – Seoul/Incheon increase from 3 to 4 daily with A320-200.
MM001 KIX 0750 – 0945 ICN 320 Daily
MM005 KIX 1240 – 1435 ICN 320 Daily
MM009 KIX 1815 – 2010 ICN 320 Daily *No ops Feb/29 - Mar/3, Mar/7-10, 14-17, 22-24.
MM011 KIX 2000 – 2155 ICN 320 Daily *From Feb/5.
MM012 ICN 0745 – 0925 KIX 320 Daily *From Feb/6 except Feb/11-26 Thu/Fri.
MM012 ICN 0725 – 0905 KIX 320 Thu/Fri *Feb/11-26.
MM002 ICN 1025 – 1205 KIX 320 Daily
MM006 ICN 1515 – 1655 KIX 320 Daily
MM010 ICN 2050 – 2230 KIX 320 Daily *No ops Feb/29 - Mar/3, Mar/7-10, 14-17, 22-24.

One-way fares for Haneda – Seoul start from 5,680 JPY for a Happy Peach ticket, which includes a 10-kilogram carry-on baggage allowance, and will go on sale on November 18th at 1500 JST. A promotional round-trip 9,000 JPY will be offered for travel between February 16th and March 17th provided the passenger boards both legs on the same day, allowing for a 18-hour stay in South Korea's capital. Kansai – Seoul starts from 5,280 JPY and the new round-trip went on sale today.

Due to regulatory obstacles, Peach so far has a split operation for Tokyo; international routes to Seoul and Taipei leave from Haneda and domestic routes to Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], Kansai, Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC] depart from Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] (Peach starts Narita to Fukuoka and Sapporo.). Any new domestic flights or daytime international services need to fly from Narita as the Kansai-based LCC does not hold slots for those purposes at Haneda. Seoul becomes Peach's second international destination after Taipei to be served from three points in Japan; Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] (Peach Aviation starts Okinawa – Seoul.), Kansai, and Haneda. Will Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] be the third?

Source: Peach Aviation, 2015 November 11th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 November 11th. (in Japanese)

Jetstar Japan is coming to Taipei in November.

On October 13th, Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] announced that they will start Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] on November 27th, followed by Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Taipei/Taoyuan on December 11th (Jetstar Japan launches Kansai hub.) and Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] – Taipei/Taoyuan on December 12th. All three routes will initially operate three times weekly, increasing to daily by the end-of-the-year peak travel season. 180-seat Airbus A320s will be deployed.

Airbus A320-232 JA05JJ arrives at Matsuyama. Jetstar Japan's fleet remains capped at 20, excluding four aircraft sub-leased out to other carriers. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The return legs for the Narita and Chubu Centrair links to Taiwan's capital are red-eye flights, while Narita and Kansai's outbound legs are timed late in the evening. Tickets went on sale at 1600 JST today, and promotional fares are offered for all three new routes starting from one-way 990 JPY, excluding tax and fuel surcharges.

Flight Schedule:
Tokyo/Narita – Taipei/Taoyuan NEW three weekly with A320-200 (daily from Dec/23).
GK11 NRT 2140 – 0040(+1) TPE 32A/320 Fr *From Nov/27.
GK11 NRT 2200 – 0100(+1) TPE 32A/320 We/Su *Nov/27 - Dec/9.
GK11 NRT 2200 – 0100(+1) TPE 32A/320 Mo/We/Su *Dec/11 - 21.
GK11 NRT 2200 – 0100(+1) TPE 32A/320 Mo/Tu/We/Th/Sa/Su *From Dec/23.
GK12 TPE 0330 – 0730 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Th/Sa *Nov/28 - Dec/10.
GK12 TPE 0330 – 0730 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Th/Sa *Dec/12 - 22.
GK12 TPE 0330 – 0730 NRT 32A/320 Daily *From Dec/24.

Osaka/Kansai – Taipei/Taoyuan NEW three weekly with A320-200 (daily from Dec/23).
GK51 KIX 2200 – 0010(+1) TPE 32A/320 We/Fr/Su *Dec/11 - 20.
GK51 KIX 2200 – 0010(+1) TPE 32A/320 Daily *From Dec/23.
GK50 TPE 1040 – 1405 KIX 32A/320 Mo/Th/Sa *Dec/12 - 21.
GK50 TPE 1040 – 1405 KIX 32A/320 Daily *From Dec/24.

Nagoya/Chubu Centrair – Taipei/Taoyuan NEW three weekly with A320-200 (daily from Dec/24).
GK91 NGO 0725 – 0950 TPE 32A/320 Mo/Th/Sa *Dec/12 - 21.
GK91 NGO 0725 – 0950 TPE 32A/320 Daily *From Dec/24.
GK92 TPE 0110 – 0445 NGO 32A/320 Mo/Th/Sa *Dec/12 - 21.
GK92 TPE 0110 – 0445 NGO 32A/320 Daily *From Dec/24.

Narita – Taipei/Taoyuan is high-demand but now sees heavy competition; full-service carriers Cathay Pacific Airways [CX/CPA], China Airlines [CI/CAL], Delta Air Lines [DL/DAL], EVA Airways [BR/EVA], Jetstar Japan's 33.3% owner Japan Airlines [JL/JAL], and TransAsia Airways [GE/TNA] along with fellow LCCs Scoot [TZ/SCO], Tigerair Taiwan [IT/TTW], and Vanilla Air [JW/VNL] all ply the route. Kansai – Taipei/Taoyuan already sees China Airlines, EVA, JAL, Jetstar Asia Airways [3K/JSA], Peach Aviation [MM/APJ], Tigerair Taiwan, and TransAsia Airways operating, while Chubu Centrair – Taipei/Taoyuan has China Airlines and JAL only, though V Air [ZV/VAX] is preparing to enter in December and new AirAsia Japan [DJ] in April 2016 (New AirAsia Japan receives AOC; takeoff in April 2016.).

Taipei only becomes Jetstar Japan's second international destination after Hong Kong; service from Kansai was launched in February (Jetstar Japan goes international with Kansai – Hong Kong.) followed by Narita in June (Jetstar Japan starts Narita – Hong Kong.). On October 2nd, the Narita-based LCC together with Jetstar Airways [JQ/JST] and Jetstar Asia received regulatory approval from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) to coordinate flight times and prices on international routes between Japan and Taiwan and the Philippines. Manila could become Jetstar Japan's third international city.

Source: Jetstar Japan, 2015 October 2nd. (in Japanese)
Source: Jetstar Japan, 2015 October 13th. (in Japanese)

Peach Aviation commences Kansai – Miyazaki.

On August 28th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] started serving Miyazaki [KMI/RJFM] with a daily evening flight to and from Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB], becoming the first LCC to land in the last prefecture in Kyushu yet to be served by one (Peach loads Kansai – Miyazaki.). The route used to be operated by All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] until March 2007. The growing LCC flies into three other Kyushu points: Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], Kagoshima [KOJ/RJFK], and Nagasaki [NGS/RJFU].

Airbus A320-214 JA805P departs Miyazaki for the first return leg to Kansai. Peach currently operates 16 aircraft with the next to arrive in November. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Inaugural flight MM189, flown by Airbus A320-214 JA805P, departed 19 minutes late due to traffic congestion at Kansai, and arrived into Miyazaki 14 minutes late at 1944 JST. It was fully booked, however, the final passenger count was 169 including a child. The first return leg, flight MM190, departed at 2020, 20 minutes behind schedule, with a load of 172 passengers, including one infant, and arrived back at Kansai at 2121. Passengers were given Peach-branded beach sandals along with luggage tags.

Flight Schedule:
Kansai – Miyazaki NEW daily with A320-200.
MM189 KIX 1825 – 1930 KMI 320 Daily
MM190 KMI 2000 – 2105 KIX 320 Daily

Governor of Miyazaki Shunji Kouno, who greeted the first arrival, enthused "It's a flight we've been waiting for. With the new link, our ties to the Kansai (Greater Osaka) region in terms of economy, tourism, and trade only grows." Meanwhile, Shinichi Inoue, CEO of Peach commented "Miyazaki and Kansai have a deep relationship. We want to tap into that demand," adding "We're targeting the VFR (visiting friends and relatives) market as well. We encourage everyone to fly with us as if you ride a train."

Fares range from 4,590 JPY for a Happy Peach ticket, which only includes a 10-kilogram carry-on baggage allowance, and go up to 20,990 JPY for last-minute, flexible and inclusive tickets. A special fare starting at 2,290 JPY will be offered until August 30th to help promote the new link. Although Peach is the sole carrier connecting the airport with Kansai, ANA flies six times daily to Osaka/Itami [ITM/RJOO] while Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] also flies five times daily to the convenient downtown Osaka airport.

Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 August 28th. (in Japanese)
Source: Traicy, 2015 August 29th. (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)

Peach Aviation inaugurates Haneda – Taipei.

On August 8th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] commenced Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] – Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP], becoming the first Japanese LCC to serve the capital's preferred but heavily-regulated downtown airport (Peach expands Taipei; Haneda and more Kansai.). The service will initially operate six days a week with 180-seat Airbus A320s, but will increase to daily from October 25th. The growing LCC has also added a third Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Taipei/Taoyuan round-trip.

Airbus A320-214 JA806P taxies at Haneda for departure on Peach's inaugural flight to Taoyuan Airport near Taipei. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Affected by a typhoon that engulfed Taiwan, departure of inaugural flight MM1029 was delayed 10 hours and 45 minutes. Reservation was full, however, 30 passengers opted for a refund because of the flight disruption, and the load was 150. The flight, flown by A320-214 JA806P, departed Haneda at 1640 JST. "If you live near Haneda, you can park your bicycle here and go on a day trip to Taiwan. For those from Taiwan, you can spend more time at a bar in Tokyo," said Shinichi Inoue, CEO of Peach.

Flight Schedule:
Kansai – Taipei/Taoyuan increase from 14 to 20 weekly. (21 weekly from Oct/25)
MM023 KIX 0840 – 1030 TPE 320 Daily *Departs 10 min late on Mo.
MM027 KIX 1605 – 1755 TPE 320 Daily
MM029 KIX 2105 – 2255 TPE 320 Tu/We/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *No operation on Oct/16 & 23.
MM022 TPE 0915 – 1255 KIX 320 Mo/We/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *No operation on Oct/17 & 24.
MM024 TPE 1105 – 1445 KIX 320 Daily *Departs 10 min late on Mo.
MM028 TPE 1830 – 2210 KIX 320 Daily

Haneda – Taipei/Taoyuan NEW six weekly with A320-200. (Daily from Oct/25)
MM1029 HND 0555 – 0830 TPE 320 Mo/We/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *No operation on Oct/17 & 24.
MM1028 TPE 0030 – 0445 HND 320 Mo/We/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *No operation on Oct/17 & 24.

Peach's new link uses Haneda's under-utilized midnight slot-pairs allocated for international services. Under normal operations, the aircraft for the Haneda route arrives into Taipei as the third flight from Kansai late in the evening, and turns around for a red-eye flight to Haneda. After a brief 70-minute stay, it returns to Taipei as the outbound flight from Tokyo, in time for the first flight of the day from Taipei back to Kansai. Fares range from 7,680 JPY for a Happy Peach ticket, which only includes a 10-kilogram carry-on baggage allowance, to 53,580 JPY for last-minute, flexible and inclusive tickets.

The Kansai-based carrier became the first Japanese LCC to serve Haneda and the third overall after AirAsia X [D7/XAX], Hong Kong Express Airways [UO/HKE] (d.b.a. HK Express), and Spring Airlines [9C/CQH]. Tigerair Taiwan [IT/TTW] and Zest Airways [Z2/EZD] (d.b.a AirAsia Zest) have plans as well.

Peach currently operates eight international and 12 domestic routes from its hubs at Kansai and Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] (Peach launches Naha hub; but Naha – Ishigaki axed.), and carried its 10 millionth passenger on August 6th. It will add Kansai – Miyazaki [KMI/RJFM] on August 28th (Peach loads Kansai – Miyazaki.) followed by Naha – Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI] on September 4th (Peach announces Okinawa – Seoul.). Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] (Peach starts Narita to Fukuoka and Sapporo.) and Sendai [SDJ/RJSS] (Peach plans Sendai hub by Summer 2017.) have already been announced as their third and fourth future bases, and China and Thailand are on the horizon (Peach mulls Okinawa – Bangkok.).

Source: Aviation Wire, August 8th. (in Japanese)

Spring Airlines Japan plans Kansai, Sapporo, and China.

Spring Airlines Japan [IJ/SJO] is poised to add Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] and Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC] along with multiple Chinese cities during the Winter 2015/2016 timetable, which starts on October 25th. From their hub at Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA], Kansai will be served twice daily and New Chitose once daily. Chongqing [CKG/ZUCK] and Wuhan [WUH/ZHHH] are expected to become their first international destinations (Spring Japan cuts flights but hopeful for China in 2015.). Details will officially be released in late August.

Boeing 737-81D(WL) N272LM/JA01GR climbs on a pre-delivery test flight. Spring Japan's fleet of three Baby Boeings has remained the same since launching operations. (Photo: Spring Airlines Japan)

Kansai is natural considering Spring Airlines [9Q/CQH], which owns 48% (33% of voting rights) of the Japanese unit, already boasts nonstop services from there to 10 Chinese cities: Chengdu [CTU/ZUUU], Chongqing, Qingdao [TAO/ZSQD], Quanzhou [JJN/ZSQZ], Shanghai/Pudong [PVG/ZSPD], Tianjin [TSN/ZBTJ], Wuhan, Xian [XIY/ZLXY], and Zhengzhou [CGO/ZHCC]. Spring has ambitious plans to turn Kansai into a hub, flying 100 weekly flights to 20 Chinese destinations by 2020. Meanwhile, New Chitose is also served by China's biggest LCC five times weekly from Shanghai/Pudong.

Using a small fleet of three 189-seat Boeing 737-800s, Spring Japan only started operations last August (Spring Airlines Japan commences operations.) and currently flies from Narita to Hiroshima [HIJ/RJOA] twice daily, Saga [HSG/RJFS] daily, and Takamatsu [TAK/RJOT] four times weekly. These secondary routes are still unprofitable, except maybe for Hiroshima. It reported a 4.92 billion JPY loss for 2014, and its Chinese parent had injected 900 million JPY last December in the form of third-party allocation of non-voting stocks (Spring Japan posts heavy loss but mulls Asia expansion.).

Spring Japan's original mission had been to tap into secondary Chinese markets carrying mostly Chinese tourists to the Kanto (Greater Tokyo) region, as batch of slots and rights don't come easily for foreign carriers at Narita, much less at Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT]. Hence it hasn't emphasized expanding in Japan's domestic market compared to other LCCs such as Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] and Peach Aviation [MM/APJ]. However, Spring Japan will likely connect its Chinese parent's destinations in Japan as with Kansai, Saga, New Chitose, and Takamatsu, and has publicly stated international flights will not only serve China but Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia as well in the long term.

Source: Traicy, 2015 July 28th. (in Japanese)