Air Do retires the Boeing 737-500.

On January 12th, AIRDO [HD/ADO] (d.b.a. Air Do) officially (but quietly) retired the Boeing 737-500. The last revenue flights were a round-trip from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] to Memanbetsu [MMB/RJCM] and back, operated by their ultimate aircraft 737-54K JA8595. It remained in the fleet as back-up equipment for three more days. The penultimate aircraft was 737-54K JA300K, which was retired on January 4th. Their 737-500s seated 126.

Boeing 737-54K JA8595 became the last remaining example. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Flight HD077 departed Haneda at 1115 JST and arrived at Memanbetsu at 1255, and return leg HD078 left the northeastern Hokkaido city at 1339 and arrived back at Tokyo's downtown airport at 1535. No farewell ceremonies were held, and Air Do has said the aircraft remaining as a back-up equipment as the reason not having any. However, all 737-500s, including this airframe, are being returned to service with All Nippon Airways' [NH/ANA] commuter arm ANA Wings [EH/AKX], subsidiary of Air Do's 14% shareholder ANA Holdings, and they likely preferred to avoid embarrassing its de facto parent.

Boeing 737-54K JA305K Bear Do Dream was retired on November 30th, 2014. (Photo: Air Do)

The 737 Classics are being replaced by Next-Generation 737s supplied by ANA. In December, the Hokkaido-based airline took delivery of their eighth 737-700 on lease from ANA, and the ninth is due from the same source shortly. 737-781(WL) JA16AN became Air Do's eighth of the type, while 737-781(WL) JA14AN will become their ninth. The newer 737-700s seat 144. The longer-range capability of the replacements is allowing Air Do to experiment with international charters (Air Do loads first international charter to Taipei.).

Boeing 737-54K JA8196 Bear Do was retired on March 14th, 2014. (Photo: Air Do)

The 737-500 entered service with Air Do on January 31st, 2008. Two special liveries adorned the type; 737-54K JA8196 Bear Do and 737-54K JA305K Bear Do Dream. They were retired on March 14th, 2014 (Air Do retires 'Bear Do'; five Boeing 737-500s remain.) and November 30th, 2014 (Air Do bids farewell to Bear Do Dream.), respectively. This completes their fleet transition program which started in October 2012. Air Do's fleet is now comprised of two 767-300ERs, two 767-300s, and eight 737-700s, with their ninth joining shortly.

Source: Air Do @ Facebook.
Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 January 9th. (in Japanese)

ANA's Star Wars Boeing 787 enters revenue service.

On October 18th, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] put its first Star Wars-themed aircraft Boeing 787-9 JA873A R2-D2 ANA JET (ANA unveils Star Wars Boeing 787 R2-D2 ANA JET.) in revenue service as flight NH116 from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] to Vancouver [YVR/CYVR]. It departed from Spot 110 at 2148 JST, two minutes ahead of schedule.

Boeing 787-9 JA873A R2-D2 ANA JET is being pushed back at Tokyo's Haneda Airport for its inaugural revenue flight to Vancouver. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

ANA has configured the aircraft with 215 seats in a three-class layout; 48 business (staggered 1-2-1), 21 premium economy (2-3-2), and 146 economy (3-3-3) (ANA's international Boeing 787-9 debuts.). Cabin LEDs feature green, blue, and red to represent the epic space opera and John Williams' famous Star Wars music is turned on from departure to taxi and takeoff. Headrest covers along with paper napkins and cups also feature the iconic robot character of the movie.

The economy class cabin of R2-D2 ANA JET. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The aircraft had carried its first passengers on the previous day serving a scenic charter flight (ANA's Star Wars Boeing 787 flies first passenger flight.). R2-D2 ANA JET will also be deployed on limited scheduled domestic routes on a one-off basis; Haneda to Hakodate [HKD/RJCH] and Miyazaki [KMI/RJFM] on October 20th, to Hiroshima [HIJ/RJOA] and Matsuyama [MYJ/RJOM] on October 22nd, and to Kagoshima [KOJ/RJFK] and Osaka/Itami [ITM/RJOO] on October 31st.

R2-D2 ANA JET Domestic Flight Schedule:
Haneda – Miyazaki one-time on October 20th.
NH603 HND 0840 – 1025 KMI 789 Oct/20
NH608 KMI 1110 – 1245 HND 789 Oct/20

Haneda – Hakodate one-time on October 20th.
NH555 HND 1340 – 1500 HKD 789 Oct/20
NH556 HKD 1550 – 1715 HND 789 Oct/20

Haneda – Matsuyama one-time on October 22nd.
NH583 HND 0725 – 0855 MYJ 789 Oct/22 *CANCELED AS OF OCT/20.
NH584 MYJ 0950 – 1115 HND 789 Oct/22 *CANCELED AS OF OCT/20.

Haneda – Hiroshima one-time on October 22nd.
NH679 HND 1315 – 1435 HIJ 789 Oct/22 *CANCELED AS OF OCT/20.
NH680 HIJ 1520 – 1645 HND 789 Oct/22 *CANCELED AS OF OCT/20.

Haneda – Kagoshima one-time on October 31st.
NH619 HND 0655 – 0850 KOJ 789 Oct/31
NH622 KOJ 0945 – 1120 HND 789 Oct/31

Haneda – Itami one-time on October 31st.
NH027 HND 1400 – 1505 ITM 789 Oct/31
NH032 ITM 1600 – 1710 HND 789 Oct/31

After Vancouver, it will mostly fly Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – San Jose [SJC/KSJC] from mid-October to late November, Narita – Seattle-Tacoma [SEA/KSEA] at the beginning of December, and Haneda – Sydney/Kingsford Smith [SYD/YSSY] (ANA announces Haneda – Sydney.) from mid-December. It will later be assigned to Beijing/Capital [PEK/ZBAA], Jakarta/Soekarno-Hatta [CGK/WIII], Munich [MUC/EDDM], and Paris/Charles de Gaulle [CDG/LFPG] as well.

Paper napkins and cups also feature R2-D2. (Photo: ANA)

The five-year Star Wars Project agreement with The Walt Disney Company (Japan) (ANA reveals Star Wars Project.) will take advantage of the release of The Force Awakens, the series' latest episode and the first of the next trilogy, to bolster ANA's brand-awareness in the international arena. Due to overwhelming popularity, ANA has decided to paint two more aircraft in the Star Wars theme (ANA announces Boeing 777 and 767 Star Wars Jets.); one 767-300 is planned for November and a 777-300ER for March 2016.

Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 October 18th. (in Japanese)

*Last edited/updated on 2015 October 26th.

ANA's Star Wars Boeing 787 flies first passenger flight.

On October 17th, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] operated a scenic charter flight using Boeing 787-9 JA873A R2-D2 ANA JET, which was unveiled on September 14th (ANA unveils Star Wars Boeing 787 R2-D2 ANA JET.) and had arrived at Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] on October 2nd after officially being handed over on September 29th. It became the first passenger-carrying flight for the first Star Wars-themed airplane.

Passengers on the scenic flight pose in front of Boeing 787-9 JA873A R2-D2 ANA JET after arriving back at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Many participants wore costumes of popular characters from Star Wars. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The sightseeing flight flying from and back to Haneda carried 170 passengers; 49 winners from a photo contest on ANA's website, 25 lucky groups of two who won the draw from 27,315 ANA Mileage Club (AMC) members' applications, and specially-invited guests along with media. R2-D2 ANA JET departed Haneda at 1327 JST and flew over Shizuoka, Nagoya, Miyatsu, Otsu, Hamamatsu, and Oshima, before returning to Tokyo's downtown airport at 1546.

Participants wearing costumes of characters from Star Wars. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

This marks the first time a character from the popular epic space opera appears on the exterior of a commercial aircraft, and the first of three special-themed aircraft featuring Star Wars to be painted by Japan's now largest airline (ANA reveals Star Wars Project.). The stretched Dreamliner is configured with 215 seats in a three-class configuration; 48 business, 21 premium economy, and 146 economy. Headrest covers along with paper napkins and cups also feature the iconic robot character in the series.

A participant dressed up as Darth Vader. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Its first revenue flight is planned for October 18th as flight NH116 from Haneda to Vancouver [YVR/CYVR]. It will also be deployed to Beijing/Capital [PEK/ZBAA], Jakarta/Soekarno-Hatta [CGK/WIII], Munich [MUC/EDDM], Paris/Charles de Gaulle [CDG/LFPG], San Jose [SJC/KSJC], and Sydney/Kingsford Smith [SYD/YSSY] (ANA announces Haneda – Sydney.). Due to its popularity, ANA has decided to place the aircraft on limited domestic routes on a one-off basis; Haneda to Hakodate [HKD/RJCH] and Miyazaki [KMI/RJFM] on October 20th, to Hiroshima [HIJ/RJOA] and Matsuyama [MYJ/RJOM] on October 22nd, and to Kagoshima [KOJ/RJFK] and Osaka/Itami [ITM/RJOO] on October 31st.

Source: All Nippon Airways Japan @ Facebook.
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 October 17th. (in Japanese)

ANA unveils Star Wars Boeing 787 R2-D2 ANA JET.

On September 12th, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] rolled out Boeing 787-9 JA873A R2-D2 ANA JET (ANA reveals Star Wars Project.), the first of three special-themed aircraft featuring Star Wars, at Paine Field [PAE/KPAE]. This marks the first time a character from the popular epic space opera appears on the exterior of a commercial aircraft. It took 10 days to paint R2-D2 on ANA's newest Dreamliner, which will be configured with 215 seats (48 business, 21 premium economy, and 146 economy).

Boeing 787-9 JA873A R2-D2 ANA JET was rolled out from Boeing's factory in Everett on September 12th at 0900 PST. (Photo: ANA)

After cabin work is finished, R2-D2 ANA JET will be delivered at the end of September and is expected to arrive in Japan in early October. Service entry is scheduled for October 18th as flight NH116 from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] to Vancouver [YVR/CYVR]. It will also be deployed to Beijing/Capital [PEK/ZBAA], Jakarta/Soekarno-Hatta [CGK/WIII], Munich [MUC/EDDM], Paris/Charles de Gaulle [CDG/LFPG], San Jose [SJC/KSJC], and Sydney/Kingsford Smith [SYD/YSSY] (ANA announces Haneda – Sydney.) later on.

JA873A will be adorned with the iconic robot until March 2020. (Photo: ANA)

One day prior to inaugurating service, R2-D2 ANA JET will be assigned to a scenic flight from Haneda. 39 winners from a photo contest on ANA's website that will end on September 18th will be invited, and all members of ANA Mileage Club (AMC) are also eligible to apply for a scarce 25 groups of two made available. The five-year Star Wars Project agreement with The Walt Disney Company (Japan) will take advantage of the release of The Force Awakens, the series' latest episode and the first of the next trilogy, to bolster ANA's brand-awareness in the international arena.

Due to overwhelming popularity, last month ANA decided to paint two more aircraft in the Star Wars theme (ANA announces Boeing 777 and 767 Star Wars Jets.). 777-381/ER JA789A will be adorned with BB-8 and be named BB-8 ANA JET to ply intercontinental routes alongside R2-D2 ANA JET, while 767-381/ER JA604A will be painted as STAR WARS ANA JET and fly domestic routes. The former will enter service in March 2016 and the latter in November this year. The three special livery aircraft will fly until March 2020, when the five-year contract expires.

Source: All Nippon Airways Japan @ Facebook.
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 September 13th. (in Japanese)

ANA announces Boeing 777 and 767 Star Wars Jets.

On August 18th, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] revealed two more Star Wars-themed special livery aircraft, in addition to Boeing 787-9 JA873A R2-D2 ANA JET (ANA reveals Star Wars Project.), the design of which was disclosed in April. 777-381/ER JA789A will be adorned with BB-8 to become BB-8 ANA JET and ply intercontinental skies while 767-381/ER JA604A will be painted as STAR WARS ANA JET and fly domestic routes. 

An impression of Boeing 777-381/ER JA789A BB-8 ANA JET. ANA has 22 777-300ERs in service, with six more on order. 20 777-9X have also been ordered. (Image: ANA)

BB-8 ANA JET will enter service in March 2016 and be deployed on mostly North American flights, while STAR WARS ANA JET will inaugurate service in November 2015. Meanwhile, ANA also announced that R2-D2 ANA JET will enter revenue service on October 18th as flight NH116 from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] to Vancouver [YVR/CYVR]. It will also fly to Beijing/Capital [PEK/ZBAA], Jakarta/Soekarno-Hatta [CGK/WIII], Munich [MUC/EDDM], Paris/Charles de Gaulle [CDG/LFPG], San Jose [SJC/KSJC], and Sydney/Kingsford Smith [SYD/YSSY] (ANA announces Haneda – Sydney.).

Boeing 767-381/ER JA604A STAR WARS ANA JET. Formerly an international-configured example, this aircraft now plies domestic skies in a 270-seat (10 Premium Class and 260 economy) layout. (Image: ANA)

One day prior to inaugurating service, R2-D2 ANA JET will be deployed on a scenic flight from Haneda. 39 winners from a photo contest on ANA's website that will end on September 18th will be invited, and all members of ANA Mileage Club (AMC) are also eligible to apply for a scarce 25 groups of two made available. "When we announced the Star Wars-themed 787, its popularity was overwhelming. So we opted for two more. The jets will start roaming the world's skies in October. I hope it would be loved by all," commented Osamu Shinobe, President of ANA.

ANA will also add all six previous episodes from the series to its in-flight entertainment line-up between November this year and January 2016; episodes four to six will be aired from November to December, while episodes one to three will be shown from December to January. The five-year Star Wars Project in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company (Japan) will take advantage of the unveiling of The Force Awakens, the series' latest episode to be released in December, to bolster ANA's brand-awareness in the international arena. Japan's largest carrier is gradually shifting focus to the international market, where demand for inbound visitors to Japan and Asia – North America travel is growing, while the domestic market remains lucrative but is shrinking.

Source: All Nippon Airways, 2015 August 18th. (in Japanese)

JAL Happy Journey Express enters service.

On July 14th, Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] placed Happy Journey Express, the airline's fourth generation of Disney-themed special livery aircraft, into service. Boeing 737-846(WL) JA318J, seating 20 in Class J (domestic business) and 145 in economy, became the first example to receive the treatment. Three additional domestic-configured aircraft will wear similar decals, and the quartet will fly in the color scheme through April 2016.

Boeing 737-846(WL) JA318J Happy Journey Express climbs from Haneda bound for Matsuyama on her inaugural flight with the decals. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Inside the aircraft, headrest covers feature Duffy, and for young flyers, JAL will hand out specially-designed plastic folders with a picture of Disney's popular stuffed bear character. Postcards showing off the special livery will also be available for free. The inaugural flight was JL435, service from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] to Matsuyama [MYJ/RJOM], which departed from Spot 4 in Terminal 1 at 1256 JST carrying 97 passengers, four flight attendants, and two pilots. It touched down at the Shikoku airport at 1414.

A collaboration between JAL and Oriental Land, operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, the special color scheme celebrates the 10th anniversary of Journey With Duffy at Tokyo DisneySea. Disney themes have appeared on JAL airplanes in 1994, 2001, and 2013 (JAL winding down Disney Happiness Express ops.). Which flights the aircraft would be assigned to would be posted on their website on the prior evening. The second aircraft, slated to be 737-846(WL) JA327J, will enter service on July 22nd, followed by the third, to be 737-846(WL) JA341J, on August 1st, and the fourth in September.

Source: Japan Airlines, June 25th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, July 14th. (in Japanese)

ANA reveals Star Wars Project.

On April 17th, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] announced that they will introduce a Star Wars special theme livery featuring the iconic R2-D2 on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in autumn to kick off a five-year ANA Star Wars Project and agreement with The Walt Disney Company (Japan). This marks the first time a Star Wars character will appear on the exterior of a commercial aircraft. Dubbed R2-D2 ANA JET, the design was unveiled to Star Wars fans at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, California, U.S.A.

The R2-D2 ANA JET scheme will be applied to Boeing 787-9 JA873A, the 345th Dreamliner and a Charleston-built example to be configured in an international layout. Delivery is planned for September. (Image: ANA)

The Star Wars Project is in line with ANA's strategy to bolster its international presence, slowly shifting dependence from the lucrative-but-shrinking domestic market, which currently generates almost 70% of their revenue.

Last spring, Japan's largest carrier expanded its international network from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] (ANA's Summer 2014 international expansion.) after receiving a controversial (at least to JAL) 11 slot-pairs for international services, and is now on expansion mode at Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] as well, preparing to add Houston/George Bush [IAH/KIAH] in June (ANA announces Houston and Southeast Asia expansion.) and resume Kuala Lumpur/Sepang [KUL/WMKK] in September (ANA reveals Kuala Lumpur and expansion at Narita.), along with adding frequencies to several existing routes. ANA is expected to further strengthen its Narita hub to capture the Asia – North America market.

Other new destinations on ANA's short-term wishlist are Istanbul (ANA considering Haneda – Istanbul.), Mexico City, Phnom Penh (or Siem Reap), and Sydney. Rumors also point out to another route (or frequency increase) to North America and the addition (or resumption) of its Narita – London/Heathrow [LHR/EGLL] route, which was moved to Haneda last spring.

Source: All Nippon Airways, April 17th. (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)

Vanilla Air to suspend Seoul.

On December 17th, Vanilla Air [JW/VNL] announced their Summer 2015 schedule, effective from March 29th, 2015. While increasing frequencies to the popular domestic holiday destinations of Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] and Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC], its daily round-trip connecting Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] and Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI] will be suspended. Tickets for most flights went on sale at 1400 JST on December 18th.

Airbus A320-211 JA8391 LOHACO Jet (Vanilla Air's 'LOHACO Jet' enters service.) lines up for departure from New Chitose on an autumn afternoon. All three 166-seat former ANA A320s have now been replaced by brand new A320s (Vanilla Air unveils new interior with latest Airbus A320.). JA8391 was the last of the three to leave Japanese soil on November 29th, and was ferried to Tucson, U.S.A. for part out. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Network Overview (from March 29, 2015):
Narita – Amami 1 daily. (no change)
Narita – Hong Kong 2 daily. (no change)
Narita – Kaohsiung 1 daily. (no change)
Narita – Naha from up to 2 daily to up to 3 daily. (INCREASE)
Narita – New Chitose from up to 4 daily to up to 8 daily. (INCREASE)
Narita – Seoul/Incheon 1 daily suspended. (SUSPENSION)
Narita – Taipei/Taoyuan 3 daily. (no change) 

The fledgling Narita-based LCC, a wholly owned subsidiary of ANA Holdings, launched service to Incheon on March 1st (Vanilla Air adds Seoul to its network.) and quickly increased it to double-daily two weeks later. However, it was reduced to a daily service from October 26th (Vanilla Air announces Hong Kong and Kaohsiung.) and that too has now been announced to be cut. Branding itself as a leisure LCC, Vanilla Air depends heavily on tourism-oriented travelers, and performance of their sole route to South Korea has been susceptible to the fragile political relationship between the two neighboring nations.

Source: Vanilla Air, December 17th. (in Japanese)

Hokkaido Air System to fly Happy Air Connection.

Hokkaido Air System [HC/NTH] will operate one of their aircraft, Saab SF340B-WT JA01HC, in a Happy Air Connection special livery as part of a Kushiro City-led campaign to promote the local carrier's Sapporo/Okadama [OKD/RJCO] – Kushiro [KUH/RJCK] service. It will start flying on December 16th and ply the northern skies until the end of March next year.

An image of Saab SF340-WT JA01HC Happy Air Connection. (Image: Hokkaido Air System)

The intra-Hokkaido route is one of a handful Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) selected for the Rural Air Services Revitalization Program. 36 million JPY worth of grants will be used to offer discounted airport bus tickets as well as publish a free travel magazine to promote the sightseeing spots and restaurants of Kushiro. The special scheme with the message "Go! Go! Kushiro" will also be worn by an airport bus.

During the period, passengers traveling on the route will receive a coupon that could be used to reduce the airport bus fee between Kushiro Airport and the city from 500 JPY to 440 JPY, as well as give a free bus ticket for travel between Okadama Airport and the nearest subway station in Sapporo. A 2,000 JPY discount will also be offered to those using rental cars from Kushiro Airport.

Source: Hokkaido Air System, December 1st. (PDF; in Japanese)
Source: Hokkaido Shimbun, December 3rd. (in Japanese)

Air Do bids farewell to Bear Do Dream.

AIRDO [HD/ADO] (d.b.a. Air Do), as planned (Air Do to retire Bear Do Dream on November 30th.), retired its last specially-themed aircraft, Boeing 737-54K JA305K Bear Do Dream, on November 30th after it operated flight HD028, service from Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC] to Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT].

Boeing 737-54K JA305K Bear Do Dream takes off. (Photo: Norio Hasegawa/Air Do)

The final flight into the company's homeland of Hokkaido was HD025, service from Haneda, which carried 124 passengers. The return leg to Tokyo became the ultimate flight, which carried a full load of 126 passengers and departed at 1609 JST, nine minutes behind published time. Air Do's mascot Bear Do was present at the gate to shake passengers' hands and all on board received a last flight certificate along with memorabilia. 

Bear Do Dream inaugurated service on March 24th, 2011 as the Hokkaido carrier's second special livery airplane after Boeing 737-54K JA8196 Bear Do, which entered service on April 6th, 2009 and was retired on March 14th earlier this year (Air Do retires 'Bear Do'; five Boeing 737-500s remain.). The aircraft flew approximately 630,000 passengers over three years and eight months until its retirement today. Manufactured on September 21st, 1998, it was originally delivered to then-All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] subsidiary Air Nippon [EL/ANK]. After a maintenance check and repaint, it will return to service with ANA Wings [EH/AKX].

Air Do's narrow-body fleet is currently transitioning from 126-seat 737-500s to 144-seat 737-700s, both supplied from ANA, subsidiary of ANA Holdings, which controls 14% of the Hokkaido-based carrier. Bear Do Dream's departure will leave the fleet with two 767-300ERs, two 767-300s, six 737-700s, and three 737-500s, with the remaining trio of 'Classic' Baby Boeings slated for replacement by an identical number of 737-700s by January 2016.

Source: Aviation Wire, November 30th. (in Japanese)

JTA announces First Sunrise Flight from Nagoya.

Japan Transocean Air [NU/JTA], together with 70% shareholder Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] and Japan's largest travel agency JTB, is offering World Heritage Mt. Fuji First Sunrise Flight 2015, to be operated on January 1st, 2015 from Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG]. It will be operated as part of the airport's 10th anniversary series of events, and JTB will be responsible for marketing the packaged tour.

Boeing 737-4Q3 JA8939 Jimbei Jet and 737-446 JA8992 Sakura Jimbei depart JTA's hub at Naha Airport, Okinawa. Which will be assigned to the flight? (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Planned to be operated by one of JTA's Jimbei Jets, Boeing 737-4Q3 JA8939 Jimbei Jet or 737-446 JA8992 Sakura Jimbei (Encounter Japan Transocean Air's 'Sakura Jimbei'!), the flight will depart Chubu Centrair on the morning of new year's day between 0530 and 0600 JST, set out on a scenic flight to Mt. Fuji to view the sunrise, and return to the same airport by 0730. Limited to 48 groups, with up to three persons per group, the tour will cost 29,000 JPY per person for a group of three, 39,000 JPY per person for a group of two, and 71,000 JPY per person for solo participants.

Reference: JTB. (in Japanese)
Reference: FlightLiner, November 17th. (in Japanese)

Air Do to retire Bear Do Dream on November 30th.

AIRDO [HD/ADO] (d.b.a. Air Do) will retire its last special livery aircraft, Boeing 737-54K JA305K Bear Do Dream, on November 30th. The last revenue flight is currently planned to be HD028, service from Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC] to Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] that will depart at 1600 JST. 

Boeing 737-54K JA305K Bear Do Dream arrives at Sendai. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Bear Do Dream inaugurated service on March 24th, 2011 as the Hokkaido airline's second special-themed airplane after Boeing 737-54K JA8196 Bear Do, which entered service on April 6th, 2009, and was retired on March 14th this year (Air Do retires 'Bear Do'; five Boeing 737-500s remain.). After retirement, it is expected to be returned to lessor All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) and re-enter service with subsidiary ANA Wings [EH/AKX].

Air Do has released the schedule of Bear Do Dream for its last three days of operations, where it will make its last appearance at Fukushima [FKS/RJSF], Kushiro [KUH/RJCK], and Toyama [TOY/RJNT] before its ultimate flight.

Bear Do Dream Flight Schedule for November 28th:
HD112 CTS 0830 – 0955 FKS
HD113 FKS 1025 – 1145 CTS
HD120 CTS 1215 – 1350 TOY
HD121 TOY 1420 – 1550 CTS
HD114 CTS 1625 – 1750 FKS
HD115 FKS 1820 – 1940 CTS
HD036 CTS 2010 – 2150 HND

Bear Do Dream Flight Schedule for November 29th and 30th:
HD071 HND 0745 – 0920 KUH
HD072 KUH 0950 – 1140 HND
HD025 HND 1350 – 1525 CTS
HD028 CTS 1600 – 1740 HND

Air Do's narrowbody fleet is currently transitioning from 126-seat 737-500s to 144-seat 737-700s, both supplied from ANA, subsidiary of ANA Holdings, which controls 14% of the Hokkaido-based carrier. Bear Do Dream's departure will leave the fleet with two 767-300ERs, two 767-300s, six 737-700s, and three 737-500s, with the remaining trio of 'Classic' Baby Boeings slated for replacement by an identical number of 737-700s by January 2016.

Reference: AIRDO @ Facebook. (in Japanese)

Solaseed Air eyes international charters in FY2015.

Skynet Asia Airways (6J/SNJ) (d.b.a. Solaseed Air) is planning international charters from Kyushu to neighboring Asian nations in FY2015, revealed Hiroshi Takahashi, its President and CEO. The Miyazaki-based carrier will take delivery of its 12th Boeing 737-800 in March 2015, and plans to deploy the aircraft on charters to China, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Boeing 737-81D(WL) JA801X Genki Factory Kinko-machi GO lands at Haneda. Under the Sorakoi Project, Solaseed Air promotes Kyushu's local communities. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

"We want to be flexible in deciding where we'll be flying to," said Mr. Takahashi, adding "We want to try out various possibilities, and eventually, we hope we can upgrade it to a scheduled service." Solaseed Air's fleet is now comprised of only brand-new 174-seat 737-800s, after the last of their 'Classic' 150-seat 737-400s was retired at the end of September (Solaseed Air bids farewell to the Boeing 737-400.).

From Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT), the Kyushu airline currently flies five daily round-trips each to Kagoshima (KOJ/RJFK) and Kumamoto (KMJ/RJFT), seven to Miyazaki (KMI/RJFM), and four each to Nagasaki (NGS/RJFU) and Oita (OIT/RJFO). From Okinawa/Naha (OKA/ROAH), they operate two daily to Kagoshima, three to Kobe (UKB/RJBE), and one to Miyazaki. The timetable is operated with 10 737-800s, thus one aircraft is always kept as a back-up. All 31 daily flights code-share with All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA), parent of ANA Holdings, which controls 8.6% of Solaseed Air.

Reference: Aviation Wire, October 31st. (in Japanese)

Skymark announces Sapporo – Okinawa seasonal service.

On October 16th, Skymark Airlines (BC/SKY) announced that they will launch winter seasonal non-stop service connecting Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) and Okinawa/Naha (OKA/ROAH) from January 29th. It will be operated every Thursday to Sunday until February 28th, and daily from the following day until March 28th. 177-seat Boeing 737-800s will fly the route.

Boeing 737-86N(WL) JA73NF ONE PIECE JET (Skymark to introduce ONE PIECE JET on July 19th.) taxies for departure at New Chitose, the bigger airport serving Sapporo. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Flight Schedule:
New Chitose – Naha NEW 1 daily with B737-800.
BC751 CTS 0930 – 1330 OKA 73H/738 Daily *Th/Fr/Sa/Su only Jan/29 - Feb/28.
BC754 OKA 1430 – 1740 CTS 73H/738 Daily *Th/Fr/Sa/Su only Jan/29 - Feb/28.

One-way fares will range from 11,000 JPY to 43,000 JPY, and tickets will go on sale on October 17th at 1500 JST. The longest domestic route in Japan, covering 2,240 kilometers (1,400 miles) and connecting the northernmost and southernmost major cities, is currently only served by All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) with 176-seat 737-800s. ANA's once-daily round-trip is operated year-round, with fares starting at 21,200 JPY and going as high as 70,100 JPY for the most flexible ticket.

Reference: Skymark Airlines, October 16th. (PDF; in Japanese)

JAL's Pink Ribbon Jet enters service.

On October 10th, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) unveiled Pink Ribbon Jet, as part of a joint campaign with Estée Lauder Group, a manufacturer of women's skincare, makeup, fragrance, and haircare products, to promote awareness of breast cancer. The specially-themed aircraft, Boeing 777-246 JA8983, entered service on flight JL107, service from Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) to Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO), on the same day.

Boeing 777-246 JA8983 Pink Ribbon Jet taxies at Tokyo's Haneda. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Using the airplane, JAL operated flight JL509 from Haneda to Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) on October 15th under the name Pink Scarf Flight. Cabin attendants wore pink scarves for the occasion, and handed out leaflets explaining how to do a breast self-exam along with pink ribbon badges. For in-flight shopping, a 8,000 JPY Vittorio Godi small leather wallet was introduced as the official campaign product, and a certain share of its sales will be donated to Breast Cancer Network Japan, a patient support community.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign decals will be worn until March 2015. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Started in 2004, the idea for a breast cancer awareness campaign originally came from JAL's employees, the majority of whom are women, like many airlines. JAL's wholly-owned commuter subsidiary J-Air (XM/JLJ) also started participating last year, and operated its own Pink Scarf Flight on the same day on October 15th with flight XM2205, service from Itami to Sendai (SDJ/RJSS).

Reference: Japan Airlines, October 10th. (in Japanese)
Reference: Aviation Wire, October 15th. (in Japanese)

Skymark to introduce ONE PIECE JET on July 19th.

On July 19th, Skymark Airlines (BC/SKY) will introduce ONE PIECE JET, a special livery based on Eiichiro Oda's popular Japanese Anime (cartoon) series. A total of five Boeing 737-800s will receive the special decals in the aft part of the fuselage and fly until October 19th. This is the first time Japan's third largest domestic carrier has opted for a cartoon-themed special scheme. Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) continues a partnership with Tokyo Disney Resort, while All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) has an agreement with Pokémon, and in the past has had Snoopy (Peanuts)-themed airliners as well.

Flight attendants with Luffy's straw hat poses with a ONE PIECE JET model. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Aircraft without the big decals will receive small stickers on the L1 door for the 737 and L1 and L2 doors for the Airbus A330 (Skymark Airlines inaugurates Airbus A330 service.), which just entered service on June 14th. The airline will have a stamp collection campaign for children over three years old and elementary (primary) school students, where one can get a stamp per flight, and a certain number of stamps will award the young passenger a Skymark-exclusive ONE PIECE merchandise. Some flight attendants will wear a straw hat, an icon of main character Monkey D. Luffy.

A closer look at the decals. Port side above, starboard side below. (Image: Skymark)

Along with the special livery, Skymark has introduced new discount child fares for the summer vacation season, available through August 7th, to lure family travelers. Price is set at 7,000 JPY one-way system-wide, except for Okinawa/Naha (OKA/ROAH) – Ishigaki (ISG/ROIG) and Naha – Miyako (MMY/ROMY), where the prices are 5,100 JPY. Flights can be changed for free if the same fare on the same segment is available. Refund fee is set at 500 JPY.

Reference: Aviation Wire, May 30th. (in Japanese)
Reference: Skymark Airlines, June 30th. (PDF; in Japanese) 
Reference: Aviation Wire, June 30th. (in Japanese)

JAL retires first Boeing 777.

Japan Airlines' (JL/JAL) first 'Triple-Seven', a Boeing 777-246 registered JA8981, operated its last revenue flight on April 30th from Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) to Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) as flight JL140. This becomes the first Japanese-registered 777 to be retired.

Boeing 777-246 JA8981 Waku Waku Aloha Jet taxies at rainy Haneda in May 2011. Although the campaign ended at the end of January, she retained these colors until July. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The aircraft is the 23rd 777 to roll off the production line and completed its maiden flight on January 26th, 1996. Christened Sirius, it was delivered the following month on February 15th. JAL's domestic 777s were called 'Star Jets' and named after constellations. After the merger with Japan Air System (JD/JAS) in 2004, JA8981 received the 'Arc of the Sun' livery in summer 2007. From October 2010 to July 2011, it also flew in Waku Waku Aloha Jet special livery to promote JAL's resumption of Haneda – Honolulu (HNL/PHNL) flights after the airport was reopened for long-haul international flights.

Boeing 777-246 JA8981 Sirius rests between training flights at Grant County Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, USA. JAL's training center here was closed in March 2009. (Photo: JAL)

Sirius spent its entire 18 years with JAL flying Japan's domestic skies. Final maintenance checks have been finished, and the aircraft is currently stored at Haneda in an all-white livery awaiting a ferry flight to Goodyear (GYR/KGYR) in Arizona, U.S.A. Of their 15-strong 777-200 fleet, including seven inherited through the merger with JAS, nine are being refurbished throughout the cabin with JAL's Sky Next interiors (JAL Sky Next new domestic product unveiled.), while the other six are being phased out by March 2016, including JA8981.

How times have passed... the Triple-Seven is still a very new airplane for me.