Peach Aviation commences Okinawa – Narita.

On February 20th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] launched Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] – Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] (Peach Aviation grows Okinawa; Narita and more Taipei.). It initially started out with an evening round-trip flying three times weekly, operating on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, due to limited availability of favorable slot times at Narita, but will be up-gauged to daytime hours and go daily from March 27th, the beginning of the Summer 2016 schedule. 180-seat Airbus A320s are assigned.

Airbus A320-214 JA803P departs Peach's second hub at Naha. It plans a modest fleet of 20 by October 2017 with a third hub at Narita and a fourth in Sendai. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Inaugural flight MM508 departed Naha at 1617 JST, 17 minutes behind schedule, with a load of 168 passengers (including one infant), four flight attendants, and two pilots, and arrived at Narita at 1815, 10 minutes before the published time. A320-214 JA803P operated both legs.

Flight Schedule:
MM504 OKA 1100 – 1340 NRT 320 Daily *From Mar/27.
MM508 OKA 1600 – 1825 NRT 320 Mo/Th/Sa *Feb/20 - Mar/26.
MM505 NRT 1425 – 1715 OKA 320 Daily *From Mar/27.
MM509 NRT 1900 – 2215 OKA 320 Mo/Th/Sa *Feb/20 - Mar/26.

The Ryukyu capital became the growing LCC's fourth destination from Narita, after Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB], and Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC] (Peach starts Narita to Fukuoka and Sapporo.), and the sixth overall from the Tokyo region, as it serves Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI] (Peach Aviation starts Haneda – Seoul.) and Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] (Peach Aviation inaugurates Haneda – Taipei.) from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] using midnight slots. Meanwhile, Narita is the sixth city from their Naha hub, which already sees service to Fukuoka, Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH], Kansai, Seoul (Peach Aviation starts Okinawa – Seoul.), and Taipei.

The Naha – Narita route currently has three other airlines operating; All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA], subsidiary of Peach's 38.67% shareholder ANA Holdings, mainly feeds its international flights, while Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] and Vanilla Air [JW/VNL], ANA's wholly-owned LCC arm, compete with Peach. Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] withdrew from the route in October 2014 and instead code-shares with 33% subsidiary Jetstar Japan to feed its international flights (JAL to terminate Narita – Okinawa.).

One year ago, Peach had publicly stated that Narita would become its third hub after Kansai and Naha (Peach confirms Narita hub; adds Fukuoka and Sapporo.), however, CEO Shinichi Inoue has admitted that it could be delayed due to the unavailability of favorable slot times, and hubbing Sendai [SDJ/RJSS] may end up coming before (Peach plans Sendai hub by Summer 2017.). Meanwhile, Mr. Inoue is eager to add more midnight international flights from Haneda, with Hong Kong being the most likely candidate. Peach does not have any access to daytime slots, hence a split operation for Tokyo.

Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 February 20th. (in Japanese)

Peach Aviation starts Haneda – Seoul.

On February 6th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] inaugurated Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] – Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI] (Peach Aviation announces Haneda – Seoul.). It became their second route from the downtown Tokyo airport after Taipei (Peach Aviation inaugurates Haneda – Taipei.), which was only launched in August 2015, and their 10th international route overall. Meanwhile, Seoul will now be served from three points: Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH], Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB], and Haneda. All flights are operated by 180-seat Airbus A320s.

Airbus A320-214 JA813P at Haneda moments after arriving from Seoul's Incheon as the inaugural flight. Peach's fleet boasts a modest 17 A320s, with the next example not due until October this year. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The inaugural inbound flight MM1008 departed Incheon on February 5th at 2301 KST with a full load of 181 passengers including an infant, and touched down at Haneda past midnight at 0106 JST. A320-214 JA813P was assigned. Meanwhile, the maiden outbound leg MM1009 departed Haneda on February 6th at 0207 JST carrying 173 passengers including two infants, and arrived at Incheon early in the morning at 0442 KST. There is no time difference between Tokyo and Seoul.

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.

As with Peach's Haneda – Taipei link, the new service to Korea also uses the heavily-regulated airport's under-utilized midnight slot-pairs reserved exclusively for international flights. Peach added a fourth round-trip between Kansai and Seoul from the same day, and after that aircraft arrives into Seoul, it turns around to become 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.

"If you feel like you're up for a Korean barbeque or beauty salon tomorrow, Peach has been providing the answer for those in Osaka. Now we'll be offering that to everyone in Tokyo," said Shinichi Inoue, CEO of Peach, who was present at Haneda on the day. "Travel has become much more affordable and Japan and the rest of Asia are now closer than ever. We're looking forward to opening up our third and fourth international routes from Haneda," Mr. Inoue continued, without naming any destinations. Haneda's current constraints confine Peach to arrivals and departures between 2300 and 0600 only, so the third and fourth will also likely be existing cities on Peach's network if it wishes not to sacrifice aircraft utilization. Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] and Kaohsiung [KHH/RCKH] would be natural choices.

Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 February 6th. (in Japanese)

Peach Aviation grows Okinawa; Narita and more Taipei.

On December 8th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] announced that it will launch Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] – Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] on February 20th, 2016. The new link will initially be operated three times per week, increasing to daily from the Summer 2016 timetable effective March 27th, using 180-seat Airbus A320-200s. The growing LCC will also expand Naha – Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] service from daily to 10 weekly from February 19th, and to twice daily from the Summer 2016 schedule.

Airbus A320-214 JA809P along with two others prepare for their next assignment at Kansai Airport's Terminal 2. Peach currently flies 17 A320s with the 18th due in March 2016. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

One-way fares for Naha – Narita start from 5,890 JPY for a Happy Peach ticket, which includes a 10-kilogram carry-on baggage allowance, and for Naha – Taipei/Taoyuan from 4,780 JPY. Tickets went on sale today. Both new round-trips are timed in the evening.

Flight Schedule:
Naha – Narita NEW three times weekly with A320-200. (From Feb/20.)
MM508 OKA 1600 – 1825 NRT 320 Mo/Th/Sa *Daily from Mar/27.
MM509 NRT 1900 – 2215 OKA 320 Mo/Th/Sa *Daily from Mar/27.

Naha – Taipei/Taoyuan increase from daily to 10 weekly with A320-200. (From Feb/19.)
MM921 OKA 0905 – 0940 TPE 320 Daily
MM927 OKA 1640 – 1715 TPE 320 We/Fr/Su *NEW. Daily from Mar/27.
MM922 TPE 1015 – 1245 OKA 320 Daily
MM928 TPE 1750 – 2020 OKA 320 We/Fr/Su *NEW. Daily from Mar/27.

Peach's second hub at Naha (Peach launches Naha hub; but Naha – Ishigaki axed.) currently boasts Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH], Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB], Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI] (Peach Aviation starts Okinawa – Seoul.), and Taipei/Taoyuan, while Narita sees Fukuoka, Kansai, and Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC] (Peach starts Narita to Fukuoka and Sapporo.). The Kansai-based LCC will make Tokyo's main international gateway its third hub (Peach confirms Narita hub; adds Fukuoka and Sapporo.), though Sendai [SDJ/RJSS] could come before depending on the availability of favorable slots at Narita (Peach plans Sendai hub by Summer 2017.).

Narita – Naha is also served by All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA], mostly catering to international – domestic connections, along with Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] and Peach's sister Vanilla Air [JW/VNL], making it the second route after Narita – New Chitose to see three LCCs competing. That said, ANA Holdings' two sister LCCs will initially avoid direct competition, as Vanilla's flight is in the morning while Peach's is in the evening, unlike with Narita – New Chitose. ANA has always considered consolidating the two as their network overlap becomes inevitable, however, while Vanilla is wholly-owned by ANA, it only holds a minority (though still significant) 39% stake in Peach and its CEO Shinichi Inoue has repeatedly shown preference to grow organically, making any merger out of question at least in the near term.

Source: Peach Aviation, 2015 December 8th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 December 8th. (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)

Peach Aviation starts Okinawa – Seoul.

On September 4th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] launched Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] – Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI] (Peach announces Okinawa – Seoul.). Operated by 180-seat Airbus A320-200s, the daily service became their fifth route out of their Naha hub (Peach launches Naha hub; but Naha – Ishigaki axed.). Japan's so far most successful LCC already serves the South Korean capital three times daily from Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB].

Airbus A320-214 JA808P departs on Peach's inaugural flight from Naha to Incheon. It boasts a modest fleet of 16 A320s. Their 17th will arrive in November, followed by one aircraft each in March, July, and November next year for a total of 20. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Inaugural flight MM905 departed Naha at 1304 JST with 151 passengers, including five children. Along with locals, many American workers at Okinawa's U.S. bases were also on the flight. Aircraft assigned was A320-214 JA808P, which arrived at Incheon 17 minutes late at 1532 due to traffic congestion. Return leg MM906 left Incheon at 1611 carrying a full load of 180 passengers, including three children, and arrived at Naha at 1824.

"Unlike the majors, Peach's target is younger travelers. We're seeing repeaters," said Shinichi Inoue, CEO of the Kansai-headquartered LCC, when asked about expansion in the Japan – South Korea market, which has seen Japanese incumbents reducing capacity due to political tensions and territorial disputes. Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA]-based sister LCC Vanilla Air [JW/VNL] also withdrew from the market in March this year (Vanilla Air to suspend Seoul.).

Flight Schedule:
Naha – Seoul/Incheon NEW daily with A320-200.
MM905 OKA 1305 – 1515 ICN 320 Daily
MM906 ICN 1555 – 1805 OKA 320 Daily

Peach first arrived in Naha with service from Kansai on October 18th, 2012, and added Ishigaki [ISG/ROIG] on September 13th, 2013, followed by Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] seven days later. It was upgraded to a hub on July 19th, 2014 with the launch of Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], though Ishigaki became the first route to be axed on Peach's network at the same time (Peach launches Naha hub; but Naha – Ishigaki axed.). Although Mr. Inoue cited heavy competition as the reason for the suspension, rumors point out to 39% owner ANA Holdings pressuring Peach to exit the short but high-demand route connecting the two major Okinawa islands to protect All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA]. Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] was launched on February 21st (Peach commences Okinawa – Hong Kong.).

The growing LCC currently bases two A320s at Naha, with ambitions to turn it into a scissors hub to funnel passengers between the main islands of Japan and Southeast Asia. Peach has publicly said Thailand and Vietnam are their top priorities, followed by Malaysia and Singapore. Bangkok/Don Mueang [DMK/VTBD] is being evaluated for launch during the Winter 2015/2016 timetable (Peach mulls Okinawa – Bangkok.), possibly sometime after their 17th A320 is delivered in November. However, Peach does not offer a fly-through product as of yet, forcing passengers to buy two segments separately if they wished to connect, and this may need to change if Mr. Inoue is serious about a full-fledged transit hub.

Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 September 4th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 September 4th. (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)

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)

Peach expands Taipei; Haneda and more Kansai.

On June 25th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] officially revealed the launch of Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] – Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] on August 8th (Peach plans Narita hub and Haneda – Taipei.). The service will initially be operated six days a week with 180-seat Airbus A320s, but is expected to be increased to daily from the Winter 2015/2016 schedule. On the same date, the growing LCC will also add a third Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Taipei/Taoyuan round-trip which will be flown six days a week.

Airbus A320-214 JA803P taxies at Narita. Peach's fleet will steadily grow to 20 by 2017 (Peach orders three Airbus A320s.). No A320neo are planned at least for now. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Peach's new link uses Haneda's under-utilized midnight slot-pairs allocated for international services. The aircraft for the Haneda route will arrive into Taipei as the third flight from Kansai late in the evening, and turn around for a red-eye flight to Haneda. After a brief 70-minute stay, it will return to Taipei as the outbound flight from Tokyo, in time for the first flight of the day from Taipei back to Kansai.

Fares will range from 7,680 JPY for a Happy Peach ticket, which only includes a 10-kilogram carry-on baggage allowance, and go up to 53,580 JPY for last-minute, flexible and inclusive tickets. Tickets will go on sale at a later date yet to be announced. A promotional 12,000 JPY round-trip fare will be offered for travel between August 19th and October 23rd.

Flight Schedule:
Kansai – Taipei/Taoyuan increase from 14 to 20 weekly. (Aug/8 - Oct/24)
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. (Aug/8 - Oct/24)
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.

"We have become a pioneer in creating new markets. As with Kansai, we hope to tap into the still under-served Tokyo market and expand the pie," said CEO Shinichi Inoue. The Kansai-based carrier will be the first Japanese LCC to serve heavily-regulated Haneda, and the third LCC overall after AirAsia X [D7/XAX], Hong Kong Express Airways [UO/HKE] (d.b.a. HK Express), and Spring Airlines [9C/CQH], which will also start on August 5th with a four-times-weekly service connecting Shanghai/Pudong [PVG/ZSPD]. Tigerair Taiwan [IT/TTW] and Zest Airways [Z2/EZD] (d.b.a AirAsia Zest) have plans as well.

Besides the newly-announced Haneda route, Peach is adding 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.). From its base at Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] and Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] (Peach launches Naha hub; but Naha – Ishigaki axed.), Japan's so far most successful LCC would operate nine international and 13 domestic routes covering 17 destinations by then. 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 hubs in the future.

Source: Peach Aviation, June 25th. (in Japanese)
Source: Peach Aviation, June 25th. (in Japanese)

Peach orders three Airbus A320s.

On June 16th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] signed a firm contract to purchase three Airbus A320-200s. A signing ceremony was held at the Paris Air Show, attended by President Shinichi Inoue, Fabrice Brégier, CEO of the European planemaker, along with John Leahy, its COO. Although this order becomes their first direct order with Airbus, Peach has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fuyo General Lease for a sale-leaseback arrangement upon delivery in 2016-2017 for the newly-ordered aircraft.

Airbus A320-214 JA801P makes its maiden flight back on October 14th, 2011. Peach has since (conservatively) built its fleet to 14, becoming the so far most successful LCC in Japan. (Photo: Airbus)

The growing LCC currently operates 14 A320s on lease, with another three to be delivered on lease in FY2015. The latest contract would bring its fleet to 20 by 2017. All seat 180 passengers in a single-class layout. Regarding the re-engined A320neos, Mr. Inoue said "We are evaluating the aircraft under many conditions. It's not that we have declined the A320neo." However, Mr. Inoue reiterated that Peach doesn't intend to equip any of its A320s in service or on order with sharklets, commenting "For short-haul routes, it's not worth the investment. The aircraft simply gets heavier."

Asked whether Peach is considering other A320 family aircraft, Mr. Inoue responded "For now we'll stick with the A320, but if situations change, we would like to react with flexibility." The larger A321 has been studied. Meanwhile, Mr. Inoue showed interest in the Airbus Space-Flex module, which would add six more seats to the A320 by reallocating galleys and lavatories, bringing up capacity to 186.

From its base at Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] and Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH], Japan's so far most successful LCC currently operates 12 international and seven domestic routes covering 15 destinations. Kansai – Miyazaki [KMI/RJFM] will be added 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 hubs in the future. Mr. Inoue declined to comment on the Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] – Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] launch (Peach plans Narita hub and Haneda – Taipei.).

Source: Airbus, June 16th. (in English)
Source: Aviation Wire, June 16th. (in Japanese)
Source: Fuyo General Lease, June 17th. (in Japanese)

Peach loads Kansai – Miyazaki.

On April 14th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] announced that they will inaugurate Miyazaki [KMI/RJFM] with a daily service from their Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] hub on August 28th, becoming the first LCC to serve the last prefecture in Kyushu yet to receive LCC flights. 180-seat Airbus A320s will operate the new round-trip, which is timed in the evening.

Another Airbus A320 of Peach prepares for departure from Kansai. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

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. They went on sale today on April 14th at 1500 JST.

Flight Schedule:
Kansai – Miyazaki NEW daily with A320-200. (Aug/28 - Oct/24)
MM189 KIX 1825 – 1930 KMI 320 Daily
MM190 KMI 2000 – 2105 KIX 320 Daily

Miyazaki becomes Peach's fourth destination in Kyushu after Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], Kagoshima [KOJ/RJFK], and Nagasaki [NGS/RJFU]. Their 16th destination overall becomes the first new city from Kansai since February 1st, 2014, when they launched Matsuyama [MYJ/RJOM] (Peach commences Matsuyama.). Kansai – Miyazaki was formerly flown by All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] until March 2007, though Osaka/Itami [ITM/RJOO] – Miyazaki continues to see six daily ANA round-trips and another five with Japan Airlines [JL/JAL].

Source: Peach Aviation, April 14th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, April 14th. (in Japanese)

Peach starts Narita to Fukuoka and Sapporo.

On March 29th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] strengthened its network from Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA], inaugurating Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF] and Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC] with two round-trips and one, respectively, using 180-seat Airbus A320s. Kanto (Greater Tokyo) region's primary international gateway has been designated its third hub (Peach confirms Narita hub; adds Fukuoka and Sapporo.) after Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] and Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] (Peach launches Naha hub; but Naha – Ishigaki axed.). 

An Airbus A320 of Peach arrives at Narita. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The first flight to Fukuoka as MM523 departed Narita at 0908 JST, eight minutes behind schedule, carrying 166 passengers, and arrived at the Kyushu airport at 1125, 20 minutes later than the published time. A320-214 JA810P was assigned. Meanwhile, the first inbound flight from Sapporo as MM582 departed New Chitose at 0941, six minutes late, with a load of 167 passengers, and arrived at Narita at 1112, two minutes behind schedule. A320-214 JA814P operated the flight. 

Flight Schedule:
Narita – Fukuoka NEW 2 daily with A320-200. (Mar/29 - Oct/24)
MM523 NRT 0900 – 1105 FUK 320 Daily
MM525 NRT 1330 – 1535 FUK 320 Daily
MM524 FUK 1220 – 1410 NRT 320 Daily
MM526 FUK 1610 – 1800 NRT 320 Daily

Narita – New Chitose NEW 1 daily with A320-200. (Mar/29 - Oct/24)
MM585 NRT 1455 – 1640 CTS 320 Daily
MM582 CTS 0935 – 1110 NRT 320 Daily

"Peach changes people's lifestyles. Peach brings positive changes to the cities we fly to. You can expect a lot from us," enthused CEO Shinichi Inoue. Fukuoka and Sapporo became the second and third cities served from Narita by the growing LCC, after it launched a link from its base at Kansai on October 27th, 2013. Peach now flies Kansai – Narita three times daily. One-way fares from Narita to Fukuoka will range from 4,790 JPY to 23,590 JPY, while the flight to New Chitose will start from 3,990 JPY and go up to 23,190 JPY.

Peach is engaging itself in a new round of battle against Narita-headquartered rival Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP], which opened their second hub at Kansai, Peach's home base, in June 2014 (Jetstar Japan launches Kansai hub.). Sister LCC Vanilla Air [JW/VNL], a wholly-owned subsidiary of ANA Holdings, which also controls 38.67% of Peach, is also based at Narita. The Chiba airport thus becomes the first airport to become a hub for all four Japanese LCCs, though Peach has opted against moving into Narita's new LCC Terminal, dubbed Terminal 3, which is slated to open on April 8th.

The Narita – New Chitose route became the first to see three LCCs competing along with majors All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] and Japan Airlines [JL/JAL], though the majors mostly cater to passengers connecting with international flights. For Summer 2015, Vanilla Air will fly up to eight round-trips and Jetstar Japan up to seven, with ANA and JAL with two and one, respectively. Narita – Fukuoka is served by Jetstar Japan up to seven times daily, ANA double-daily, and JAL with a single round-trip. Vanilla Air does not fly to the Kyushu airport, though predecessor AirAsia Japan (Mk I) [JW/WAJ] used to (CoachFlyer JW8541: NRT - FUK on AirAsia Japan's Airbus A320.).

Peach currently flies 14 aircraft on 12 domestic and seven international routes covering 15 destinations. It continues to develop its Naha hub adding Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] on February 21st (Peach commences Okinawa – Hong Kong.), to be followed by Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI] on September 4th (Peach announces Okinawa – Seoul.). Several more Asian destinations are in the cards, including Bangkok (Peach mulls Okinawa – Bangkok.) and Macau (Peach reveals Macau in the works.). Meanwhile, they have also announced intentions to make Sendai [SDJ/RJSS] its fourth hub by 2017 (Peach plans Sendai hub by Summer 2017.).

Source: Aviation Wire, March 29th. (in Japanese)

Peach plans Sendai hub by Summer 2017.

On March 9th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] announced that they would establish their fourth hub at Sendai [SDJ/RJSS] in the northeastern prefecture of Miyagi by Summer 2017. Aircraft along with maintenance crews would be based there, and the growing LCC would add both domestic and regional international destinations. It currently flies three daily round-trips to Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB], their home base.

Airbus A320-214 JA804P at Sendai. Peach started serving Sendai in April 2013, becoming the first new airline to serve the airport after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 devastated the region. Local communities are being rebuilt but still far from finished, and Tohoku still remains one of Japan's poorest rural areas. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

"Making Sendai a hub has been our desire ever since starting up in 2012. We are delighted to be able to build a hub at Sendai, our fourth after Kansai, Naha, and Narita. We hope to contribute to the Tohoku (northeastern Japan) region by bringing in tourists not only from other parts of Japan but also from Asian cities. By bringing in low fares, we could increase the number of those who fly as well as the number of exchanges," said CEO Shinichi Inoue.

Japan's so far most successful LCC is on expansion mode. Their Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] hub, just launched in July last year (Peach launches Naha hub; but Naha – Ishigaki axed.), will see Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI] (Peach announces Okinawa – Seoul.) being added from September while Bangkok/Don Mueang [DMK/VTBD] is in the works (Peach mulls Okinawa – Bangkok.). Incheon would be the fifth nonstop city after Kansai, Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP], Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], and Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] (Peach commences Okinawa – Hong Kong.).

Meanwhile, Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] was designated their third hub (Peach confirms Narita hub; adds Fukuoka and Sapporo.) only last month, with Fukuoka and Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC] to be added on March 29th. The Chiba airport thus becomes Japan's first to host a hub for all four LCCs, though Peach has so far opted against moving into Narita's new LCC Terminal, dubbed Terminal 3, which is slated to open on April 8th.

Source: Kahoku Shimpo, March 7th. (in Japanese)
Source: Peach Aviation, March 9th. (in Japanese)

Peach announces Okinawa – Seoul.

On March 5th, Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] announced that they will launch Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] – Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI] on September 4th, as they gradually expand their second hub located in the Ryukyu islands. The new service will be operated daily using 180-seat Airbus A320-200s. Meanwhile, the Naha – Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF] route will be increased to double-daily on the same day. 

Specially-themed Airbus A320-214 JA804P Violetta RUNE entered service on March 4th. The decals, in collaboration with girls' magazine Violetta and the late artist Rune Naito's RUNE GIRL, will be worn by another two aircraft until the end of 2015. (Photo: Peach)

Fares for the new flights will go on sale on March 9th at 1500 JST. A one-way Happy Peach fare, the basic ticket which only includes a 10-kilogram carry-on baggage allowance, for Naha – Incheon will start from 5,980 JPY, not including taxes and a processing fee. The same basic fare for Naha – Fukuoka will start from 4,290 JPY.

Flight Schedule:
Naha – Fukuoka increase from 1 to 2 daily with A320-200. (Mar/29 - Oct/24)
MM282 OKA 0815 – 0955 FUK 320 Daily *NEW from Sep/4.
MM288 OKA 1750 – 1930 FUK 320 Daily
MM283 FUK 1025 – 1205 OKA 320 Daily *NEW from Sep/4.
MM289 FUK 2015 – 2155 OKA 320 Daily

Naha – Seoul/Incheon NEW daily with A320-200. (Sep/4 - Oct/24)
MM905 OKA 1305 – 1515 ICN 320 Daily
MM906 ICN 1555 – 1805 OKA 320 Daily

Peach already serves Incheon three times daily from Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB]. From their Okinawa hub, the growing LCC currently serves Fukuoka, Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] (Peach commences Okinawa – Hong Kong.), Kansai, and Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP], with Incheon to become its fifth nonstop destination. Launched in July 2014, Naha was selected by Peach with ambitions to use it as a scissors hub (Peach launches Naha hub; but Naha – Ishigaki axed.) to funnel passengers between the main islands of Japan and Southeast Asia. 

"From Naha, we eventually want to fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore," CEO Shinichi Inoue said in February. For their first link to Southeast Asia, earlier reports pointed out to a launch as early as this summer, with the destination widely expected to be Thailand. Peach is already discussing with Thai airport authorities about Naha – Bangkok/Don Mueang [DMK/VTBD] (Peach mulls Okinawa – Bangkok.).

Source: Peach Aviation, March 5th. (in Japanese)

Peach reveals Macau in the works.

Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] will start flying to Macau [MFM/VMMC], confirmed CEO Shinichi Inoue at the Aviation Festival Asia, which took place in Singapore from February 12th to 13th. Mr. Inoue did not reveal when the launch would be and from which Peach hub; Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB], Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] (Peach launches Naha hub; but Naha – Ishigaki axed.), or Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] (Peach confirms Narita hub; adds Fukuoka and Sapporo.).

Two Airbus A320s of Peach rest between flights at their Kansai hub. (Photo: Peach)

"Macau is one of our next targets," said Mr. Inoue. If Peach commences Macau, it would be the first and only Japanese carrier to serve the former Portuguese colony. Currently, Kansai and Narita receive nonstop flights from Macau with only Air Macau [NX/AMU] operating the routes.

The expanding LCC just added Naha – Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] on February 21st (Peach commences Okinawa – Hong Kong.), in addition to its twice-daily Kansai – Hong Kong flights. Mr. Inoue had earlier also confirmed that their first Southeast Asian destination would be served from Naha this summer, and the city would be announced in March; Naha – Bangkok/Don Mueang [DMK/VTBD] (Peach mulls Okinawa – Bangkok.) is rumored. "From Naha, we eventually want to fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore," said Mr. Inoue, who has long talked of making Naha a scissors hub to funnel passengers between the main islands of Japan and Southeast Asia.

Macau is not as far as Southeast Asia, so it could be served nonstop from any of Peach's three hubs.

Source: Traicy, February 24th. (in Japanese)