Vanilla Air announces Okinawa – Taipei.

On May 25th, Vanilla Air [JW/VNL] announced that it will commence Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH] – Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] on September 14th. An additional Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – Naha round-trip will also be added at the same time. All flights will be operated by 180-seat Airbus A320-200s. The LCC arm of ANA Holdings continues to add more destinations from Taipei, which is set to become their second hub and the first outside Japan.

Airbus A320-214(SL) JA03VA is one of two aircraft in Vanilla Air's fleet with a non-standard white livery. When the first AirAsia Japan (Mk I) was re-launched as Vanilla Air, they did not have enough time to fully paint the aircraft before they needed it. Their original three A320s still retain the basic AirAsia interior. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Tickets went on sale on May 26th. One-way fares start from 4,590 JPY for a ticket with no baggage allowance (Simple Vanilla) and 6,590 JPY for an inclusive ticket with 20 kilograms of baggage allowance plus free seat selection (Komi-komi Vanilla).

Flight Schedule:
Naha – Taipei/Taoyuan NEW daily with A320-200.
JW189 OKA 2110 – 2145 TPE 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *From Sep/15.
JW189 OKA 2035 – 2110 TPE 32A/320 We *From Sep/14.
JW180 TPE 0610 – 0845 OKA 32A/320 Daily *From Sep/15.

The aircraft for the outbound service will arrive from Narita into Naha flying the newly added flight, and then hop to Taipei, to turn around for their Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] link, which was only launched on April 27th (Vanilla Air adds Kansai – Taipei, plans SE Asia in 4Q2016.). The inbound leg will be part of the Kansai – Taipei – Naha – Narita routing.

Naha becomes Vanilla Air's third destination from Taipei, and it is part of their strategy to make the Taiwanese capital a scissors hub to connect Japan and Southeast Asia (Vanilla Air eyes China, Southeast Asia, and Okinawa hub.), which is similar to what part-sister Peach hopes to do at Naha (Peach launches Naha hub; but Naha – Ishigaki axed.). From Taipei, it currently flies to Narita four times daily, and plans are underway to add Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam using fifth freedom rights, as well as Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC].

Bangkok/Don Mueang [DMK/VTBD] is likely to become their first destination in Southeast Asia, and Vanilla is reportedly in talks with fellow Value Alliance (Vanilla Air joins seven LCCs to form Value Alliance.) member Nok Airlines (d.b.a. Nok Air) [DD/NOK] for a stronger partnership.

Source: Vanilla Air, 2016 May 25th. (in Japanese)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vanilla Air announces Kansai – Taipei.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New AirAsia Japan reveals China, SE Asia, USA ambitions.

On February 15th, AirAsia Japan's (Mk II) [DJ] new Chairman Takashi Ide revealed that the delayed LCC is now preparing to start flying in Summer 2016, hopefully in July or August. Speaking at a public symposium calling for a second runway at its Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] hub (AirAsia Japan confirms Spring 2016 launch from Nagoya.), the former Skymark Airlines [BC/SKY] executive who only joined in December (AirAsia Japan CEO to quit, ex-Skymark executives coming.) also disclosed plans for China, hubs at Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] and Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA], plus Airbus A330s for trans-Pacific and Hawaii routes. It will also continue to push for Chubu Centrair's proposed new LCC terminal, which could open as early as FY2018 and handle up to 5 million passengers annually.

Airbus A320-216(SL) JA01DJ, which has not flown since delivery (New AirAsia Japan receives first Airbus A320.), is now being reactivated for a test flight on February 16th. AirAsia Japan (Mk II) plans to commence crew training on its own aircraft on March 15th as their first group of trainees return from Malaysia. Their second aircraft will be deferred to April, while the Mika Ninagawa-designed special livery will be adorned by their third. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The reincarnation of AirAsia's [AK/AXM] Japanese unit was originally planned to take off in June 2015 (AirAsia Japan is officially reborn; first flight June 2015.), but was postponed to April 2016 after finally receiving an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) in October (New AirAsia Japan receives AOC; takeoff in April 2016.), only to be delayed again after the surprising management change (New AirAsia Japan delays service entry to July 2016.). Its shareholders have agreed to together inject 3 billion JPY this month. "Former management was essentially trying to build a Japanese branch of AirAsia. But we need to be a Japanese airline in the first place," said Mr. Ide, explaining "An AOC (in Japan) only means the business structure is in place. We cannot fly yet because we have not met all the JCAB criteria to become airworthy." Mr. Ide also added "AirAsia is fun and bright, but that is outside of Japan. People are very conservative here, and it is difficult to carve out a space against ANA and JAL. I learned a lot about that (through Skymark)."

Mr. Ide reiterated that AirAsia Japan's main target would be Japan's inbound market (outbound is shrinking due to aging and a declining population). As already reported, it will start with a fleet of two 180-seat Airbus A320 flying from Chubu Centrair to Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC], Sendai [SDJ/RJSS], and Taipei, with each city receiving double-daily frequencies. It plans to carry 150,000 passengers by 2016 year-end. In 2017, its fleet will be increased to six aircraft mostly to fuel China expansion, and Mr. Ide named Beijing/Capital [PEK/ZBAA] or Tianjin [TSN/ZBTJ], Guam [GUM/PGUM], Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] or Macau [MFM/VMMC], Seoul/Incheon [ICN/RKSI], and Shanghai/Pudong [PVG/ZSPD] or Wuxi [WUX/ZSWX]. Mr. Ide said it will not hesitate to fly to less-congested airports that have attractive incentives for newcomers. First profit is forecasted for FY2017.

For 2018, AirAsia Japan will add three A320s for a total of nine, plus two A330s. The new Airbus wide-body aircraft will be used to open up Chubu Centrair – Singapore/Changi [SIN/WSSS], while the additional A320s will be based at a new hub at Narita and fly to Beijing or Tianjin, Hong Kong or Macau, New Chitose, Taipei, and Shanghai or Wuxi, all destinations which would already be served from Chubu Centrair by then. FY2018 is projected to see total revenue increasing to 25 billion JPY with a profit margin of 7%. During 2019, the fleet will be increased to a dozen A320s and four A330s; the A320s will be based at their third hub at Taipei and start Vietnam and Singapore using fifth freedom rights, while additional A330s will be used to launch Honolulu [HNL/PHNL] from both Chubu Centrair and Narita. FY2019 is expected to see revenue amounting to 35 billion JPY with a profit margin of 10%.

By the end of 2020, the LCC will boast 14 A320s and six A330s. The additional A330s will be used to open up its first trans-Pacific routes to Seattle-Tacoma [SEA/KSEA], though Mr. Ide noted it could be changed to San Francisco [SFO/KSFO] depending on which U.S. partner it interlines with. Meanwhile, the A320 additions will help them connect more dots, including Taipei and Narita with Seoul. By the end of FY2020, AirAsia Japan aims to fly 30 round-trips from Chubu Centair and 10 round-trips from Narita with an average load factor of 75%, producing total revenues of 50 billion JPY and a profit margin of 15%. The LCC also plans to conduct its Initial Public Offering (IPO) during FY2020.

So the details of AirAsia's second shot at Japan have now been unveiled. The importance of China had been repeated, however, as slots at key destinations dry up, it may need to fly to secondary airports. AirAsia has brand recognition in China, but how much impact a split operation among sisters would have is unsure, though it already serves multiple airports for Tokyo with AirAsia X [D7/XAX] at Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] and Thai AirAsia X [XJ/TAX] at Narita. For Japan – Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Singapore are natural priorities, as the group doesn't have local affiliates there. Meanwhile, Malaysia and Thailand are better served by its lower-cost sisters in these respective countries. It is also noteworthy that AirAsia Japan will become the first group carrier to operate A330s alongside A320s (excluding Indonesia AirAsia X [XT/IDX], for paperwork purposes); the Airbus wide-bodies will mainly serve trans-Pacific and Hawaii markets, with feed not only from Japan (which is shrinking), but from China and Southeast Asia (which is growing).

Source: Traicy, 2016 February 15th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 February 15th. (in Japanese)
Source: Nikkei Shimbun, 2016 February 15th. (in Japanese)

*Edited/updated on 2016 February 16th.

Star Flyer loads Kitakyushu – Taipei charter.

On February 4th, Star Flyer [7G/SFJ] announced that they will operate three round-trip charters between Kitakyushu [KKJ/RJFR] and Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] during Japan's Golden Week peak travel period in May. 150-seat Airbus A320s will be assigned. Travel agencies JTB World Vacations and H.I.S. will market the packaged tour in Japan, while an undisclosed firm in Taipei has been contracted to sell tickets in Taiwan.

Airbus A320-214 JA05MC City of Kitakyushu at Haneda. Star Flyer is considering revamping the interior of its A320s, as well as increasing seat count from 150 to 166, matching that of ANA's A320s. The current generous low-density configuration would be unsustainable if and when fuel prices go up again. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

In May last year, the Kitakyushu-based airline had announced that it would consider midnight international charters to regional Asian destinations from its base as well as Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG], Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB], and Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT], as part of its mid-term strategy dubbed Pursuit of Star Flyer-ness 2020 (Star Flyer back in black, mulls international charters.). The red-eye flights increase utilization by flying them during the midnight when most domestic airports are closed.

Flight Schedule:
Kitakyushu – Taipei NEW charter with A320-200.
7G9671 KKJ 2330 – 0100(+1) TPE 32A/320 *May/2, 4, 6.
7G9672 TPE 0230 – 0550 KKJ 32A/320 *May/3, 5, 7.

With assistance from ANA Holdings, Star Flyer successfully turned itself around in FY2014, reporting a 431 million JPY net profit for the fiscal year ending in March 2015 over a 3.04 billion JPY loss for FY2013. The parent of Japan's largest airline is Star Flyer's biggest shareholder and has a 17.96% stake, and its current President Sadami Matsuishi is an ANA veteran (New Star Flyer President is from ANA.). All routes and all but a single Haneda – Kitakyushu round-trip code-share with ANA, and the partnership generates well over 30% of the Kyushu carrier's total revenue (Star Flyer launches Yamaguchi-Ube.).

Star Flyer currently operates nine 150-seat A320s on domestic routes. Their sole scheduled international route launched in July 2012 between Kitakyushu and Busan/Gimhae [PUS/RKPK] was suspended in March 2014 due to heavy losses.

Source: Star Flyer, 2016 February 4th. (in Japanese)

Vanilla Air eyes China, Southeast Asia, and Okinawa hub.

On January 29th, Vanilla Air's [JW/VNL] owner ANA Holdings, parent of Japan's largest carrier All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA], announced that it would increase the Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA]-based LCC's capacity by 218% as measured by available seat kilometers (ASKs) by the end of FY2020. It aims to become the number one LCC at Narita, going head to head with rival Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP], and also partly competing with sister Peach Aviation [MM/APJ], minority-owned by ANA.

Airbus A320-216(SL) JA06VA taxies for departure from Narita. Vanilla Air plans to add up to five aircraft in FY2016, with another dozen to be inducted by FY2020. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Vanilla will add more leisure-oriented markets, including cities which have yet to be served by the ANA Group, and enter the Chinese market to tap into Japan's largest source of inbound tourists. It also envisions setting up its second hub at Okinawa/Naha [OKA/ROAH], and designating Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP] a strategic focus city, which would inevitably increase overlap with Peach (Peach Aviation grows Okinawa; Narita and more Taipei.). Guam, Saipan, Philippines, along with Southeast Asia are on the horizon, though Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Taipei (Vanilla Air to add Kansai – Taipei in Summer 2016.) is expected to become the next route.

Its current fleet of eight 180-seat Airbus A320s will be grown to 25 by FY2020, and the re-engined A320neo is under consideration. Acquisition of A330 wide-body aircraft will also continue to be evaluated, but it would be necessary if Vanilla wishes to fly to Southeast Asia nonstop from Narita both ways without payload penalties. "A single-type operation is the LCC formula, but we're also evaluating a plan with wide-bodies," said ANA Holdings President Shinya Katanozaka, adding "Asian LCCs are evolving, and they're entering longer routes. We may operate two types side-by-side, or even a complete shift to wide-body-only operations in the long-term is also a possibility."

Some sources say there is already an undisclosed done deal for ANA to lease a few A330s from CIT Aerospace for deployment at Vanilla. Pleasing CIT, Skymark Airlines' [BC/SKY] fourth largest creditor after Intrepid Aviation, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce, was also necessary for ANA to win support to sponsor Japan's bankrupt third largest airline (Bye-bye Skymark, Hello ANA Airbus A380?). Meanwhile, Vanilla has become quiet on any plans to fly to Hawaii after ANA finally released plans to fly Skymark's displaced A380s to the popular resort destination. With ANA's A380s planned to accommodate 500 to 600 passengers, they would virtually be dumping seats in the market overnight, and an entry by Vanilla would result in excessive overcapacity.

Source: ANA Holdings, 2016 January 29th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 February 3rd. (in Japanese)

*Edited/updated on 2016 February 3rd. 

Vanilla Air to add Kansai – Taipei in Summer 2016.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jetstar Japan adds Nagoya and Kansai to Taipei.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peach Aviation 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) 

Jetstar Japan launches Taipei, next up Manila.

On November 27th, Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] launched Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP], initially serving the Taiwanese capital three times a week from Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] (Jetstar Japan is coming to Taipei in November.). Taiwan becomes the Narita-based LCC's only second international destination after Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] (Jetstar Japan goes international with Kansai – Hong Kong.). Operated by 180-seat Airbus A320s, the new link will be increased to four times weekly on December 14th and daily from December 23rd.

Airbus A320-232(SL) JA20JJ arrives at Narita. Jetstar Japan operates 20 aircraft, while another four are currently sub-leased out to other carriers. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The outbound flight departs Narita approximately one hour before the 2300 curfew, and arrives into Taipei in the middle of the night, while the return leg departs Taipei before dawn and arrives back at Narita in the morning, about an hour after the airport opens at 0600. Inaugural flight GK011 departed at 2132 JST, eight minutes ahead of schedule, carrying 169 passengers. A320-232(SL) JA20JJ, the airline's newest machine, was assigned. Unlike most inaugural flights, ceremonial events were only held at the departure gate and not during the flight, as it runs on a red-eye timetable. The flight arrived at Taipei at 0035 CST.

Flight Schedule:
Tokyo/Narita – Taipei/Taoyuan NEW three weekly with A320-200 (daily from Dec/23).
GK011 NRT 2140 – 0040(+1) TPE 32A/320 Fr *From Nov/27.
GK011 NRT 2200 – 0100(+1) TPE 32A/320 We/Su *Nov/27 - Dec/9.
GK011 NRT 2200 – 0100(+1) TPE 32A/320 Mo/We/Su *Dec/11 - 21.
GK011 NRT 2200 – 0100(+1) TPE 32A/320 Mo/Tu/We/Th/Sa/Su *From Dec/23.
GK012 TPE 0330 – 0730 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Th/Sa *Nov/28 - Dec/10.
GK012 TPE 0330 – 0730 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Th/Sa *Dec/12 - 22.
GK012 TPE 0330 – 0730 NRT 32A/320 Daily *From Dec/24.

"So far, about 60-65% of passengers are from Taiwan, and 35-40% are from Japan," said Chairman Masaru Kataoka, adding "Since it's timed for an early-morning arrival in Tokyo and late-night return to Taiwan, it may be a good schedule for the Taiwan side." Mr. Kataoka believes it can take advantage of brand recognition as Taipei is already served by sister airline Jetstar Asia Airways [3K/JSA], with service to and from Singapore/Changi [SIN/WSSS] and Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB].

Jetstar Japan only launched international flights in February this year, with service to Hong Kong from Kansai (Jetstar Japan goes international with Kansai – Hong Kong.) followed by Narita from June (Jetstar Japan starts Narita – Hong Kong.). For Taipei, flights to and from Kansai will follow on December 11th and Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] on December 12th (Jetstar Japan is coming to Taipei in November.). The carrier hopes to add  Manila/Ninoy Aquino [MNL/RPLL], to become its third overseas city, in Spring 2016. Sister Jetstar Asia already flies Kansai – Manila.

Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Asia, and Jetstar Airways [JQ/JST] already have regulatory approval to coordinate flight times and prices on international routes between Japan and Taiwan and the Philippines, which they received from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) on October 2nd.

Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 November 28th. (in Japanese)

Jetstar Japan is coming to Taipei in November.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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