Spring Japan eyes Sapporo and China in 2015.

Spring Airlines Japan's (IJ/SJO) Chairman Wang Wei revealed that the fledgling Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA)-based LCC is planning two to four international routes to China in 2015, in an interview by Traicy. For domestic, Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) is the next city being considered, to connect with Spring Airlines' (9C/CQH) link from Shanghai/Pudong (PVG/ZSPD) to the capital of Hokkaido, which will be launched on October 26th, 2014.

Spring Airlines Japan's first aircraft Boeing 737-81D(WL) N272LM/JA01GR at King County 'Boeing Field'. It is leased from AWAS. (Photo: Rick Schlamp/AirlinersGallery.com)

Regarding the recent decision to cut Narita – Saga (HSG/RJFS) to a single round-trip (Spring Japan reduces schedule for Winter 2014/2015.), the airline told that from Winter 2014/2015, Narita only allowed for a slot that would make an arrival into Saga within 10 minutes of an All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) flight from Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) and a departure time within 20 minutes of ANA's return leg. Saga is equipped with one jet-bridge each for domestic and international, and thus only has one security check-point and one waiting area per jet-bridge, and the airport authorities deemed it difficult to handle two Tokyo-area-bound flights at the same time.

Mr. Wang reiterates that they would like to bring the Saga service back to two flights as soon as they can get favorable slot times. For August, the route saw a load factor of 60.1%, which Mr. Wang views as "not bad for a young airline like us," though he admits that "We need to become better known and increase our load factors." Meanwhile, reliability also has to be worked on, as from August 1st through September 21st, Spring Airlines Japan's Saga route saw seven cancellations and a dozen delays of over one hour, while ANA's link to Haneda saw zero cancellations and nine delays, even with five daily round-trips, which is three more than Spring.

For the time being when only two Boeing 737-800s are needed to run the entire schedule, their third will be used as back-up equipment and for crew training. "We have no problem as our plan for winter only called for two airplanes in the first place," said Mr. Wang. Spring Airlines Japan is the Japanese unit of China's first LCC, and only began operations on August 1st (Spring Airlines Japan commences operations.).

Reference: Saga Shimbun, September 26th. (in Japanese)
Reference: Traicy, September 28th. (in Japanese)

Spring Japan reduces schedule for Winter 2014/2015.

Spring Airlines Japan (IJ/SJO) has released their Winter 2014/2015 timetable effective October 26th. Their planned increase of Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA) – Takamatsu (TAK/RJOT) service to two daily round-trips has been postponed, and their current double-daily Narita – Saga (HSG/RJFS) link will be reduced to once-daily. Meanwhile, all flights, including to Hiroshima (HIJ/RJOA), are being re-timed.

Boeing 737-86N(WL) JA03GR passing through Honolulu on delivery in March 2014. The aircraft is leased from GECAS. (Photo: HNL RareBirds)

The fledgling Narita-based LCC, which just launched operations on August 1st (Spring Airlines Japan commences operations.), cites Saga not being able to accept the airline's desired time as the main reason for the frequency cut, while also noting their inability to sustain their current utilization rates. However, the new timetable leaves just four daily round-trips for a trio of Boeing 737-800s. Is there a lack of staff?

Flight Schedule (Oct/25/2014 - Mar/28/2015):
Narita – Hiroshima 2 daily with 737-800.
IJ621 NRT 0845 – 1030 HIJ 73H Daily
IJ623 NRT 1655 – 1840 HIJ 73H Tu/Th
IJ623 NRT 1725 – 1910 HIJ 73H Mo/Sa
IJ623 NRT 1730 – 1915 HIJ 73H We/Fr/Su 
IJ622 HIJ 1115 – 1235 NRT 73H Daily
IJ624 HIJ 1925 – 2045 NRT 73H Tu/Th
IJ624 HIJ 1955 – 2115 NRT 73H Mo/Sa
IJ624 HIJ 2000 – 2120 NRT 73H We/Fr/Su

Narita – Saga reduced from 2 to 1 daily with 737-800.
IJ603 NRT 1420 – 1650 HSG 73H Daily
IJ604 HSG 1735 – 1910 NRT 73H Daily

Narita – Takamatsu 1 daily with 737-800. Planned 2nd daily postponed.
IJ613 NRT 1230 – 1410 TAK 73H Daily
IJ614 TAK 1455 – 1610 NRT 73H Mo/Tu/Th/Fr/Sa/Su
IJ614 TAK 1515 – 1630 NRT 73H We

Spring Airlines Japan is the Japanese unit of China's largest LCC Spring Airlines (9C/CQH). Japanese largest travel agency JTB also holds a minority interest. Flights were originally planned for May, however, paperwork delays and crew training taking more time forced them to postpone their launch twice (Spring Airlines Japan delays launch to August 1st.).

Although they haven't released load factors, the figures are estimated to be lower than the target line of 70% (breakeven is probably around 75 - 80%), especially for the Saga and Takamatsu routes. It was reportedly considering its fourth domestic destination in early 2015, and plans call for five aircraft to be added each year from next year, but can they keep up with their ambitions?

Reference: Spring Airlines Japan, September 25th. (in Japanese)

Spring Airlines Japan commences operations.

Spring Airlines Japan (IJ/SJO) launched operations on August 1st, linking Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA) with Hiroshima (HIJ/RJOA), Saga (HSG/RJFS), and Takamatsu (TAK/RJOT) using 189-seat Boeing 737-800s. The former two destinations are served twice daily, while the latter is served once daily. They become the fourth LCC to be launched in Japan, but the first of its kind that is not affiliated with an existing Japanese carrier.

Boeing 737-86N(WL) JA02GR takes off for Saga on the inaugural day. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The inaugural flight, IJ621, departed Narita on-time at 0655 JST with 148 passengers (load factor 78.3%) and took off at 0714, arriving at Hiroshima at 0831. It was operated by 737-81D(WL) JA01GR. Their second flight, IJ601, service from Narita to Saga, was operated by 737-86N(WL) JA02GR. For the first day, flights operated with two pilots and five cabin attendants, instead of the usual four.
 
Flight Schedule (Aug/1 – Oct/25/2014):
Narita – Hiroshima NEW 2 daily with 737-800.
IJ621 NRT 0655 – 0835 HIJ 73H Daily
IJ623 NRT 1625 – 1805 HIJ 73H Daily
IJ622 HIJ 0920 – 1050 NRT 73H Daily
IJ624 HIJ 1850 – 2020 NRT 73H Daily

Narita – Saga NEW 2 daily with 737-800.
IJ601 NRT 1055 – 1255 HSG 73H Daily
IJ603 NRT 1655 – 1855 HSG 73H Daily
IJ602 HSG 1340 – 1525 NRT 73H Daily
IJ604 HSG 1940 – 2125 NRT 73H Daily

Narita – Takamatsu NEW 1 daily with 737-800.
IJ613 NRT 1150 – 1315 TAK 73H Daily
IJ614 TAK 1410 – 1525 NRT 73H Daily

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at Narita was attended by officials from the destination prefectures, Narita Airport, and the airline including Representative Director Hiroshi Ukai, Executive Director Minoru Uchida, Chairman Wang Wei, and Wang Zhenghua, Chairman of Spring Airlines. (Photo: Spring Airlines Japan)

From Narita, fares to Hiroshima start at 5,690 JPY, to Saga from 5,700 JPY, and to Takamatsu from 5,630 JPY. Its highest fare for each route has been set at around 25,000 JPY, but the airline says that price is "for government paperwork purposes," and in reality they have no intention to offer that fare. Competitor Jetstar Japan (GK/JJP) already serves the Narita – Takamatsu market twice daily offering fares as low as 3,990 JPY, but Spring Airlines Group Chairman Wang Zhenghua emphasizes they "don't want to get into a fare war."

Spring Airlines Japan is the Japanese unit of China's largest LCC Spring Airlines (9C/CQH). Japanese largest travel agency JTB also holds a minority interest. Flights were originally planned for May, however, paperwork delays and crew training taking more time forced them to postpone their launch twice (Spring Airlines Japan delays launch to August 1st.).

Spring Airlines Japan flies their Boeing 737-800s in a 189-seat layout. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Unlike its Chinese parent, which flies 42 Airbus A320s, Japan's newest LCC opted for the 737, taking advantage of Japan's historical relationship with Boeing and hence the larger population of Japanese aviation professionals working with American-assembled airplanes. Shortage of Airbus-rated pilots in Japan have 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.).

Spring Airlines Japan will add five aircraft each year from 2015 onwards, targeting to reach a fleet of 20 sometime in 2017. It is reportedly considering adding its fourth domestic destination early next year.

Reference: Spring Airlines Japan @ Facebook. (in Japanese)
Reference: Aviation Wire, August 1st. (in Japanese)
Reference: Traicy, August 1st. (in Japanese)

Spring Airlines Japan delays launch to August 1st.

On June 6th, Spring Airlines Japan (IJ/SJO) announced that they will postpone their launch to August 1st due to preparations taking more time than expected. Japan's newest LCC originally planned to commence services from Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA) to Hiroshima (HIJ/RJOA), Saga (HSG/RJFS), and Takamatsu (TAK/RJOT) on June 27th (Spring Airlines Japan to launch services on June 27th.) using brand-new Boeing 737-800s.

Boeing 737-86N(WL) JA02GR made a stop at Honolulu on delivery to Japan in December 2013. (Photo: HNL RareBirds)

According to Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), a division of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) which regulates and oversees civil aviation in the country, there were various procedures which had to be revised when proving flights took place in late April. Although Spring Airlines Japan had been making efforts to meet the planned launch date, it was decided that more time would be needed.

Additionally, one of two planned round-trips between Narita and Takamatsu will not be started until October 26th, the beginning of the Winter 2014/2015 timetable. Affected flights are IJ611/612, and the company has cited pilot training taking more time as the main reason, though they emphasized that they had enough numbers. Shortages of pilots have 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.).

Flight schedule (August 1st – October 25th):
Narita – Hiroshima new 2 daily with 73H.
IJ621 NRT 0655 – 0835 HIJ 73H Daily
IJ623 NRT 1625 – 1805 HIJ 73H Daily
IJ622 HIJ 0920 – 1050 NRT 73H Daily
IJ624 HIJ 1850 – 2020 NRT 73H Daily

Narita - Saga new 2 daily with 73H.
IJ601 NRT 1055 – 1255 HSG 73H Daily
IJ603 NRT 1655 – 1855 HSG 73H Daily
IJ602 HSG 1340 – 1525 NRT 73H Daily
IJ604 HSG 1940 – 2125 NRT 73H Daily

Narita - Takamatsu new 2 daily to be reduced to 1 daily with 73H.
IJ611 NRT 0630 – 0755 TAK 73H Daily *Canceled through Oct/25.
IJ613 NRT 1150 – 1315 TAK 73H Daily
IJ612 TAK 0840 – 0955 NRT 73H Daily *Canceled through Oct/25.
IJ614 TAK 1410 – 1525 NRT 73H Daily

Due to the delay, a total of 592 flights are being canceled, affecting 5,009 seats sold on Spring Airlines Japan's website as well as another 5,000 sold through travel agencies. Passengers who have tickets for travel between June 27th and July 31st have the choice of re-booking to another flight on the same route for travel after August 1st, or a full refund including the processing fee.

Spring Airlines Japan is the Japanese affiliate of Shanghai/Pudong (PVG/ZSPD)-based Spring Airlines (9C/CQH), which controls 33%, the maximum possible figure under Japan's foreign ownership rules. Last year, Hiroshi Ukai, former Safety Inspector General at JCAB, was selected as Representative Director to head Spring Airlines Japan in part to speed up the application process, taking advantage of his regulatory expertise to cover for the lack of rapport with the regulator All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) and Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) enjoy.

Source: Spring Airlines Japan, June 6th. (PDF; in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, June 6th. (in Japanese)

ANA offers red-eye Haneda - Okinawa 'Galaxy Flight'.

On April 23rd, All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) announced adjustments to their Summer 2014 schedule, the first version (ANA releases Summer 2014 domestic schedule.) of which was released on January 22nd. The revised timetable sees frequency increases on routes to popular summer destinations, including a new midnight round-trip between Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) and Okinawa/Naha (OKA/ROAH) branded 'Galaxy Flight'.

Boeing 777-381 JA754A 'Peace Jet' taxies for departure at Haneda. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Frequency increases:
Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF) – Tsushima (TSJ/RJDT) from 4 to 5 daily. *Aug/8 – 18.
Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) – Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) from 6 to 7 daily. *Jul/18 – Sep/30.
Naha – Ishigaki (ISG/ROIG) from 8 to 9 daily. *Jul/18 – Aug/31.
Sendai (SDJ/RJSS) – New Chitose from 4 to up to 5. *Jul/3 – Aug/31.
Haneda – Naha from 10 to 12 daily. *Jul/18 – Aug/31.
Haneda – Saga (HSG/RJFS) from 4 to 5 daily. *From Jul/1. 

Frequency reductions:
Haneda – Kobe (UKB/RJBE) from 3 to 2 daily. *Jul/18 – Aug/31.

The new red-eye-timed flights connecting Japan's capital with the Ryukyu island have actually been operated since July 2012, but only with belly cargo and no passengers, feeding ANA Cargo's scissors hub at Naha. Now these flights' passenger cabin is being offered for a limited time during the peak summer vacation travel period, taking advantage of Naha's 24-hour airport capability. Either Boeing 777-300s or 787-8s will operate the flights. Although it will be the first red-eye domestic flight for ANA, Skymark Airlines (BC/SKY) has operated seasonal red-eye flights on the same route since 2005, albeit sporadically.

NEW red-eye Haneda – Naha timetable:
NH999 HND 0000 – 0230 OKA 773/788 Daily *Jul/18 – Aug/31.
NH1000 OKA 0440 – 0700 HND 773/788 Daily *Jul/18 – Aug/31.

Unlike other typical domestic flights leaving Haneda, NH999 will not be accepting electronic check-in nor walk-through 'Skip' service, and passengers must be checked-in at Counter 15 in Terminal 2 before 2330. The Premium Class cabin will not be opened, as won't lounges which will be closed at that time of the day. Onward check-in will not be offered and pets will not be allowed for check-in. Return leg NH1000 will look more like normal flights, except for not accepting pet check-in and keeping the Premium Class cabin closed.

NH999/1000 will allow for convenient through-connections at ANA's expanded international operations at Haneda (ANA's Summer 2014 international expansion.). One-way fares will start from as low as 9,700 JPY (very affordable for a Haneda flight with ANA) for 60-day-advance tickets and 20,700 JPY for last-minute.

Source: All Nippon Airways, April 23rd. (in Japanese)
Source: All Nippon Airways, April 23rd. (in Japanese)

*Post edited/updated on April 25th.

Spring Airlines Japan to launch services on June 27th.

On March 25th, Spring Airlines Japan (IJ/SJO) announced that they will commence operations on June 27th. The Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA)-based LCC's initial destinations are Hiroshima (HIJ/RJOA), Saga (HSG/RJFS), and Takamatsu (TAK/RJOT), and will start with two daily round-trips to each city utilizing a fleet of three Boeing 737-800s. Tickets will go on sale on April 8th at 1200 JST.

Spring Airlines Japan's crew pose in front of their brand-new Boeing 737-800. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Flight schedule:
Narita - Hiroshima new 2 daily with 73H.
IJ621 NRT 0655 – 0835 HIJ 73H Daily
IJ623 NRT 1625 – 1805 HIJ 73H Daily
IJ622 HIJ 0920 – 1050 NRT 73H Daily
IJ624 HIJ 1850 – 2020 NRT 73H Daily

Narita - Saga new 2 daily with 73H.
IJ601 NRT 1055 – 1255 HSG 73H Daily
IJ603 NRT 1655 – 1855 HSG 73H Daily
IJ602 HSG 1340 – 1525 NRT 73H Daily
IJ604 HSG 1940 – 2125 NRT 73H Daily

Narita - Takamatsu new 2 daily with 73H.
IJ611 NRT 0630 – 0755 TAK 73H Daily
IJ613 NRT 1150 – 1315 TAK 73H Daily
IJ612 TAK 0840 – 0955 NRT 73H Daily
IJ614 TAK 1410 – 1525 NRT 73H Daily

From Narita, fares to Hiroshima will start at 5,690 JPY, to Saga from 5,700 JPY, and to Takamatsu from 5,630 JPY. Its highest fare for each route has been set at around 25,000 JPY, but the airline says that price is for 'government paperwork purposes', and in reality they don't intend to offer that fare. Competitor Jetstar Japan (GK/JJP) already serves the Narita - Takamatsu market twice daily offering fares as low as 3,990 JPY, but Spring Airlines Group Chairman Wang Zhenghua emphasizes they "don't want to get into a fare war".

Meanwhile, Japan's largest travel agency JTB has agreed to purchase up to 5% of Spring Airlines Japan's shares, a move which the tour firm denies as a foray into the LCC business, but instead "an investment to secure seats for package tours in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics", according to JTB President and CEO Hiromi Tagawa. Spring Airines Japan becomes only the third airline JTB has invested in, after Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) and All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA). "ANA and JAL's modest capacity expansion will be insufficient to meet the booming travel needs", Mr. Tagawa adds.

The airline's biggest shareholder, Shanghai/Pudong (PVG/ZSPD)-based Spring Airlines (9C/CQH), which controls the maximum possible figure under Japan's foreign ownership rules at 33%, already serves Ibaraki (IBR/RJAH), Osaka/Kansai (KIX/RJBB), Saga, and Takamatsu, and the Japanese affiliate hopes to attract Chinese tourists traveling to multiple destinations in Japan, as well as leverage brand recognition in cities the minority-parent already serves.

Spring Airlines Japan plans to add two more B737s this year, and five each from 2015, increasing its fleet to 20 by the end of 2017.

Source: Spring Airlines Japan, March 25th. (in Japanese) 
Source: Aviation Wire, March 25th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, March 25th. (in Japanese)

Spring Airlines Japan starts test flights to Saga.

In preparation for service launch in late May, Spring Airlines Japan (IJ/SJO) began operating test flights from Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA) to Saga (HSG/RJFS) on March 17th as it would in normal operations. Staff in the air and on the ground checked routine procedures from departure to arrival. 

Boeing 737-86N(WL) JA02GR is leased from GECAS. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Training flights to Hiroshima (HIJ/RJOA) and Takamatsu (TAK/RJOT) are already being flown, and Saga would be the last of the three cities the new LCC initially plans to serve twice daily, respectively, from the time of commencing operations, to receive these familiarization flights. Chinese LCC Spring Airlines (9C/CQH), which owns 33% of their shares, already serves Saga and Takamatsu from Shanghai/Pudong (PVG/ZSPD), and the Japanese affiliate hopes to leverage brand recognition.

Spring Airlines Japan's Boeing 737-800s seat 189 in a six-abreast (3-3) configuration, of which 18 (first three rows) in the front would be sold as premium seats with more legroom. The airline's fleet currently stands at two with a third coming on-line by May, and will be expanded to 20 by the end of 2017.

Source: Saga Prefecture, March 14th. (in Japanese)
Source: Saga Shimbun, March 17th. (in Japanese)

Spring Airlines Japan receives AOC.

On December 26th, Spring Airlines Japan announced that they have received an air operator's certificate (AOC) from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), paving the way for launching operations in late May 2014.

Boeing 737-86N(WL) JA02GR at Narita. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

From its hub at Tokyo/Narita's (NRT/RJAA) Terminal 2, they will initially serve Takamatsu (TAK/RJOT), Hiroshima (HIJ/RJOA), and Saga (HSG/RJFS) with two daily round-trips respectively. Their first aircraft, Boeing 737-81D(WL) JA01GR, was delivered in April, followed by its second, JA02GR, in December, and a third will be added in March 2014 for a total of three before launch. Its aircraft will seat 18 in premium class with a wider seat-pitch and 171 in normal economy, for a total of 189 seats. The first is on lease from AWAS and the second from GECAS, and the airline intends to add five aircraft each year, aiming to reach 20 in 2017.

Most of its pilots formerly worked with Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) along with other domestic carriers, and are currently working to train younger flight crew. Some staff who had worked with Star Flyer (7G/SFJ) and the defunct non-starter Link Airs have also joined. The airline currently employs 219 employees, and will bring that up to 250 by the time of launch.

Spring Airlines Japan is controlled 33.0% by Chinese LCC Spring Airlines (9C/CQH), 31.0% by venture-capital firm Skystar Financial Management, 25.0% by Pachinko-slot manufacturer Yamasa, 6.0% by Ibis LCC Investment Partners, 3.0% by Spring Airlines Japan Investment Partners, and 2.0% by SMBC Venture Capital.

Source: Aviation Wire (in Japanese)