Notice: Changes coming to ZipanguFlyer.

Effective October 25th, 2015, ZipanguFlyer will be changing coverage.

Boeing 787-8s of ANA and JAL at Haneda. Directly and indirectly, the two major carriers together still control, or have influence over, all domestic slots at Japan's most important airport serving the capital. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Until now, this blog has covered most, if not all of the news of airlines registered in Japan. However, due to my lack of time, I will be narrowing down coverage to mostly LCCs and non-ANA/JAL carriers. Local commuter airlines flying only specific essential air links will also be omitted.

Airlines that will continue to be covered:
AirAsia Japan [DJ], AIRDO [HD/ADO] (d.b.a. Air Do), Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA], IBEX Airlines [FW/IBX], Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP], Peach Aviation [MM/APJ], Skymark Airlines [BC/SKY], Skynet Asia Airways [6J/SNJ] (d.b.a. Solaseed Air), Spring Airlines Japan [IJ/SJO], Star Flyer [7G/SFJ], Vanilla Air [JW/VNL]

Airlines that will no longer be regularly covered:
Air Japan [NQ/AJX], All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA], Amakusa Airlines [AHX], ANA Wings [EH/AKX], First Flying [DAK], Hokkaido Air System [HC/NTH], J-Air [XM/JLJ], Japan Air Commuter [3X/JAC], Japan Airlines [JL/JAL], Japan Transocean Air [NU/JTA], New Central Airservice [CUK], New Japan Aviation [NJA], Nippon Cargo Airlines [KZ/NCA], Oriental Air Bridge [OC/ORC], Ryukyu Air Commuter [RAC], Toho Air Service [THK]

Topics of ANA and JAL are already well covered by various media, while demand for news regarding local niche commuter airlines has been minimal, at least in English.

In the meantime, I will be experimenting giving the blog a personal touch. Thank you for your support and understanding. Happy travels!

JAL shifts more Tokyo – China flights from Narita to Haneda.

On August 31st, Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] announced plans to expand their China network from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] with new daily service to Guangzhou [CAN/ZGGG] and Shanghai/Pudong [PVG/ZSPD] along with a second daily round-trip to Beijing/Capital [PEK/ZBAA] effective October 25th, the beginning of the Winter 2015/2016 timetable. Meanwhile, Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] will see JAL axe Guangzhou and reduce Beijing from twice to once daily.

Nine 767s, including pictured Boeing 767-346/ER(WL) JA618J at Honolulu, are equipped with winglets and Sky Suite interior. JAL, which flies 32 -300ERs and 12 -300s, is celebrating their 30th year of 767 operations. 60 were ordered and the first, a -200, was delivered back on July 23rd, 1985. Although 787s are gradually taking over the 767s' roles, newer -300ERs are being converted to domestic, replacing older -300s and 777s. The versatile aircraft will surely soldier on for another decade or two. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The new Haneda – Shanghai/Pudong link will be served by Boeing 767-300ERs configured with JAL's award-winning Sky Suite product (JAL adding more Sky Suite destinations.) and boasting a generous 199-seat layout (24 business and 175 economy class). The new Guangzhou and additional Beijing flights will see non-Sky Suite 227-seat (30 business and 197 economy class) 767-300ERs deployed.

Flight Schedule:
Haneda – Tokyo/Haneda – Beijing/Capital increase from 1 to 2 daily.
JL021 HND 0910 – 1220 PEK 788 Daily
JL025 HND 1720 – 2030 PEK 763 Daily *NEW from Oct/25.
JL020 PEK 0825 – 1245 HND 763 Daily *NEW from Oct/26.
JL022 PEK 1640 – 2100 HND 788 Daily

Tokyo/Haneda – Guangzhou NEW daily with 767-300ER.
JL087 HND 0850 – 1305 CAN 763 Daily *From Oct/25.
JL088 CAN 1450 – 1945 HND 763 Daily *From Oct/25.

Tokyo/Haneda – Shanghai/Hongqiao daily with 777-200ER. (existing service)
JL081 HND 0915 – 1145 SHA 772 Daily
JL082 SHA 1305 – 1645 HND 772 Daily

Tokyo/Haneda – Shanghai/Pudong NEW daily with 767-300ER.
JL085 HND 1440 – 1710 PVG 76W Daily *From Oct/25.
JL086 PVG 1835 – 2220 HND 76W Daily *From Oct/25.

In May, authorities of China and Japan agreed to allocate two round-trips to each side for Haneda – Guangzhou services. JAL's archrival All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] was the first to take advantage, having already announced a similar expansion at Haneda and shift away from Narita (ANA strengthens Haneda – China with Guangzhou.). China Southern Airlines [CZ/CSN], based in China's third most populated city, is reportedly also preparing to launch the route though no official announcement has yet been made.

Source: Japan Airlines, 2015 August 31st. (in Japanese) 
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 September 1st. (in Japanese)

JAL is returning to Dallas-Fort Worth in November.

On August 31st, Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] announced that they will revive nonstop Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – Dallas-Fort Worth [DFW/KDFW] service on November 30th, ending a 14-year hiatus. It will initially be operated four times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and will be increased to daily from Spring 2016. 161-seat (38 business, 35 premium economy, and 88 economy class) Sky Suite Boeing 787-8s will be assigned to the new link.

Boeing 787-8 JA837J, which was the first Dreamliner to boast the Sky Suite product, rests between flights at Narita. JAL currently operates 22 Dash 8s and a single Dash 9, with another three and 19 on order, respectively. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

President Yoshiharu Ueki had revealed earlier this year that resuming Dallas was in the works, especially after Toyota decided to move its North American headquarters to the metropolis by 2017 (JAL contemplating Dallas-Fort Worth.). Joint-venture (JV) and Oneworld partner American Airlines [AA/AAL] has an extensive network to Latin America including Mexico, and Dallas is also a strategic transfer point. Rival All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] only launched Houston/George Bush [IAH/KIAH] on June 12th (ANA launches Narita – Houston.) to tap into that market too, through JV and Star Alliance partner United Airlines [UA/UAL].

Flight Schedule:
Narita – Dallas-Fort Worth NEW 4 weekly with 787-8. (2015/Nov/30 - 2016/Mar/26)
JL012 NRT 1055 – 0720 DFW 788 Mo/We/Fr/Su
JL011 DFW 1145 – 1625(+1) NRT 788 Mo/We/Fr/Su

JAL's award-winning Sky Suite product boasts one of the most generous seat densities, and the 787 is the newest aircraft to receive the treatment (JAL's Sky Suite 787 makes debut.), which includes lie-flat business class seats with direct aisle access from every seat, an all-new premium economy cabin, and a comfortable eight-abreast (2-4-2) layout for economy, along with in-flight wireless internet connection dubbed JAL Sky Wi-Fi.

Japan's now second largest carrier served Dallas until October 7th, 2001, when it dropped its daily 747-400 service from Narita in the aftermath of the September 11th atrocities. Partner American currently operates two daily flights both ways using 777-200ERs, and JAL's round-trip will also be part of the JV and carry their partner's code as well. The Texas city will become JAL's eighth gateway in the U.S. and the ninth trans-Pacific route after Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Los Angeles [LAX/KLAX], which was also reinstated on March 20th (JAL resumes Kansai – Los Angeles.).

Source: Japan Airlines, 2015 August 31st. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 August 31st. (in Japanese)

Jetstar Japan cuts Nagoya – Kumamoto and Kansai – Oita.

On August 19th, Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] announced that they would suspend Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] – Kumamoto [KMJ/RJFT] and Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Oita [OIT/RJFO] effective October 25th, the beginning of the Winter 2015/2016 timetable. These routes will only have survived just over a year as they were launched on October 26th (Jetstar Japan starts three routes from Kumamoto.) and July 11th (Jetstar Japan to start Kansai – Oita in October.), 2014, respectively. They also become the first terminations since the Japanese affiliate of the Australia-based LCC launched operations on July 3rd, 2012.

Airbus A320-232(SL) JA06JJ at Chubu Centrair. After Kumamoto is axed, Jetstar Japan will continue to serve Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Okinawa/Naha, and Sapporo/New Chitose from the airport serving Nagoya. While it has denied developing it into a hub for now, AirAsia Japan (Mk II) will launch in Spring 2016 with a base here. (Photo: Jetstar Japan)

"There weren't enough passengers and we didn't see demand growing as much as we had expected," said a spokesperson from the Narita-based LCC, adding "We are currently reviewing our entire network." Kansai – Oita has been served daily, while the Chubu Centrair – Kumamoto link was initially started with double-daily but decreased to once-daily from the Summer 2015 schedule. Meanwhile, they will continue to serve Oita from Narita, and Kumamoto from both Narita and Kansai (Jetstar Japan launches Kansai hub.).

Jetstar Japan surpassed 10 millionth passengers on August 5th, beating rival Peach Aviation [MM/APJ] by one day, making it the fastest LCC to achieve that milestone as it launched operations four months later than the Osaka-headquartered rival. As they start adjusting its domestic network, it will slowly shift focus to the international arena; Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] from both Narita (Jetstar Japan starts Narita – Hong Kong.) and Kansai (Jetstar Japan goes international with Kansai – Hong Kong.) will go up to double-daily, and a new international destination is expected to be revealed soon.

On the financial side, profitability has yet to come; another 5 billion JPY is reportedly being prepared for injection together by Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] and Qantas Airways [QF/QFA]. The two biggest shareholders pumped in 11 billion JPY in October 2013 and another 7 billion JPY in October 2014 (Jetstar Japan to receive 11 billion JPY from JAL and Qantas.). "2014 was our bottom. Results have improved, and though I can't say when, we expect to be in the black soon," said Masaru Kataoka, Jetstar Japan's Chairman, adding "Now we are looking to expand into high-demand markets in North Asia and Southeast Asia."

Source: Jetstar Japan, 2015 August 5th. (in Japanese) 
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 August 8th. (in Japanese)
Source: Jetstar Japan, 2015 August 19th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 August 19th. (in Japanese)

Japan Airlines JL123 crash remembered 30 years on.

August 12th marked the 30th year since Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] flight JL123, an ordinary domestic flight from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] bound for Osaka/Itami [ITM/RJOO], crashed into Mount Osutaka in Ueno Village, Gunma. It claimed the lives of all but four of 509 passengers and 15 crew members aboard, making it the deadliest aviation accident in Japan and the deadliest single-airliner accident in history. Boeing 747SR-46 JA8119 was the aircraft involved.

JAL President Yoshiharu Ueki paid tribute at the crash site memorial, swearing safety would never be compromised again. Mr. Ueki has participated in the ceremony every year since taking office in 2012. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Last evening on August 11th, bereaved families and relatives floated lanterns on nearby Kanno River to honor those who perished and pray for aviation safety. On the following day today, hundreds of mourners hiked up the mountain to reach the crash site. Among them was Yoshiharu Ueki, JAL's current President. "I expressed my deepest condolence and apology to the 520 who died. I would like to apologize to the families and relatives for 30 years of suffering and sadness," said Mr. Ueki, adding "Lives come first. No compromise nor excuse is acceptable when it comes to safety. That is engrained in the hearts of the 32,000 employees at JAL."

A moment of silence was observed by participants at a ceremony that was held at the memorial facility near the foot of Mount Osutaka at 1856 JST, the exact time the ill-fated aircraft ended its short voyage. It was attended by 252 family members and relatives of the vitctims, as well as 104 officials from the local government, regulator Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), and JAL, including Mr. Ueki, Chairman Masaru Onishi, and Vice President Nobuhiro Sato.

The doomed 747 that departed Haneda at 1812 on August 12th, 1985 quickly ran into trouble when a loud bang was heard followed by decompression. JA8119 had been involved in a tailstrike incident at Itami seven years earlier as flight JL115, and faulty repair of the damaged rear pressure bulkhead was determined as the cause of it not withstanding pressurization on the 12,319th flight after the fix. When the bulkhead gave way, the resulting explosive decompression ruptured the lines of all four hydraulic systems and ejected the vertical stabilizer. With the aircraft's flight controls disabled, the 747 became uncontrollable. Desperate efforts by the crew to tame the plane were in vain, and the aircraft crashed into Mount Osutaka approximately 30 minutes later.

Source: Aviation Wire, August 12th. (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)

JAL's Boeing 787-9 enters service.

On July 1st, Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] inaugurated Boeing 787-9 operations with Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – Jakarta/Soukarno-Hatta [CGK/WIII] becoming its first route. The first revenue flight was JL725, which departed Narita's Spot 91 at 1051 JST. Their first stretched Dreamliner had been delivered on June 11th (JAL takes delivery of first Boeing 787-9.).

Boeing 787-9 JA861J moments before rotation from Narita's Runway 16R for her first revenue flight bound for Jakarta wearing JAL Sky Suite 787 decals. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Boasting a 6.1-meter-longer fuselage compared to the shorter 787-8, JAL's 787-9 seats 34 additional passengers in a three-class layout of JAL's award-winning Sky Suite product (JAL's Sky Suite 787 makes debut.); 44 Sky Suite (business), 35 Sky Premium (premium economy), and 116 Sky Wider II (economy) seats, totaling 195. It will be placed on medium and long-haul international routes.

JAL has ordered 25 787-8s and 20 787-9s, of which 22 and one have been delivered, respectively. During FY2015, Japan's second largest carrier will take delivery of two more 787-9s, with one each arriving in October and February, and one 787-8, arriving in December. All are deployed on international routes.

Source: Aviation Wire, July 1st. (in Japanese)

J-Air missed inspections for three Bombardier CRJs.

J-Air [XM/JLJ], the wholly-owned commuter arm of Japan Airlines [JL/JAL], flew three Bombardier CL-600-2B19 CRJ-200ER aircraft for up to six months without inspections being carried out on engine-related parts, JAL officials said on June 24th. In order to carry out the checks, the regional airline on June 24th canceled 23 flights affecting 807 passengers, though there were no disruptions the following day.

Bombardier CL-600-2B19 CRJ-200ER JA205J at New Chitose serving Sapporo. Deliveries of newer Embraer E-Jets will start later in 2015 to replace CRJs, though J-Air's entire fleet will eventually be standardized on the Mitsubishi MRJ (JAL orders 32 Mitsubishi MRJs and 27 Embraer E-Jets.). (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The three aircraft in concern are CRJ-200ERs JA207J, JA208J, and JA209J, which were delivered in October 2005, December 2005, and March 2006, respectively. The airplanes' structural parts supporting the engines were required for inspection when they reached 22,145 cycles, and once every 11,773 cycles thereafter. However, they went unnoticed without one for up 2,178 flights, or six months. All necessary checks, which found no flaws, were carried out on the night of June 24th.

Technical personnel noticed the three aircraft had missed the check-up when they were updating their maintenance system. Their six other CRJ-200ERs in its fleet are unaffected. J-Air is investigating why it failed to conduct the inspection.

Source: Aviation Wire, June 24th. (in Japanese)

JAL takes delivery of first Boeing 787-9.

On June 11th, Japan Airlines' [JL/JAL] first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrived at Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] on delivery. Registered JA861J, the aircraft seats 195 in a three-class layout of JAL's award-winning Sky Suite product; 44 Sky Suite (business), 35 Sky Premium (premium economy), and 116 Sky Wider II (economy) seats. It is expected to enter service on the Narita – Jakarta/Soukarno-Hatta [CGK/WIII] route on July 1st.

Boeing 787-9 JA861J arrives at Narita. The two General Electric GEnx-1B74/75 engines create 6% more thrust than the smaller Dash 8s. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Marked as flight JL8101, the delivery flight across the Pacific departed Paine Field [PAE/KPAE] on June 10th at 1630 PDT, and touched down at Narita on June 11th at 1818 JST. Although JAL's 787-9s share the same seats as the Sky Suite 787-8 (JAL's Sky Suite 787 makes debut.), which carries 161 (38 Sky Suite, 35 Sky Premium, and 88 Sky Wider II), the Dash 9 is 6.1 meters longer and carries 34 more passengers.

Lie-flat staggered business class seats on the Boeing 787-9. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

As with the Sky Suite 787-8, the newly-delivered stretched Dreamliners are equipped with MAGIC-VI in-flight entertainment (IFE) with touch-controlled monitors, in-flight wireless internet connection dubbed JAL Sky Wi-Fi, and toilets in all classes boasting washlets. Cabin LED lighting patterns will be set according to the season, for example with red and green to be featured for December.

Premium economy is in a seven-abreast layout. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Business class is in a six-abreast (2-2-2) staggered layout with direct aisle access from every seat. Manufactured by B/E Aerospace, the lie-flat seats measure 188 centimeters in length when extended, while its width is 65 centimeters. Premium economy seats are 49 centimeters wide (19.4 inches) with a seat pitch of 107-centimeters (42 inches) and are configured in at seven abreast (2-3-2). Seats are made by Zodiac Aerospace France. Economy class is in a generous eight-abreast (2-4-2) layout, offering five more centimeters in width than nine abreast (3-3-3), which has been the worldwide trend. Zodiac Aerospace USA is responsible for the manufacturing.

JAL continues to opt for eight abreast in economy, continuing to buck the nine-abreast trend. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

JAL has ordered 25 787-8s and 20 787-9s, of which 21 and one have been delivered, respectively. Unlike at rival All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] where some 787s are also placed on short domestic missions in domestic layouts, all of JAL's 787s fly international routes (except for occasional domestic subsitutions), either for expansion or for replacing older 767-300ERs, which in turn are used to replace the oldest domestic 777s and 767s. JAL has confirmed it has no intention to introduce domestic-configured 787s.

Source: Aviation Wire, June 11th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, June 13th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, June 20th. (in Japanese)

*Edited/updated on June 20th, 2015.

Hokkaido Air System to resume three intra-island routes.

Hokkaido Air System [HC/NTH] (unofficially referred to as HAC) is planning to resume three intra-Hokkaido routes; Hakodate [HKD/RJCH] – Kushiro [KUH/RJCK], Hakodate – Asahikawa [AKJ/RJEC], and Sapporo/Okadama [OKD/RJCO] – Memanbetsu [MMB/RJCM]. These routes were suspended by January 2013, after Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] reduced its shareholding in the commuter carrier to 14% in March 2011 as part of their restructuring and axed all code-shares. On October 24th, JAL raised that figure back to majority ownership again (JAL raises Hokkaido Air System stake to 51%.).

Saab SF340B-WT JA02HC rests between flights at Misawa. Two of its three airframes still retain JAL Group's old Arc of the Sun livery. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

According to an interview by Nikkei Shimbun, Yoichiro Kuwano, HAC's new President effective March 31st did not give any time frame regarding when the resumption would take place. The JAL veteran who came from Operations Management replaced Chihiro Tamura, another JAL manager from the same field.

Meanwhile, Hakodate – Misawa [MSJ/RJSM] is expected to be restarted as early as July as a seasonal service operating on weekends and holidays during the peak summer vacation travel months in cooperation with the parent company. It was initially launched in August 2013 with a daily service, in addition to the daily Okadama – Misawa round-trip (CoachFlyer HC330: MSJ - OKD on Hokkaido Air System's Saab SF340.), but was suspended in December, and though it was resumed in April 2014 operating on weekends and holidays (Hokkaido Air System to resume Hakodate - Misawa.), it was dropped again in November.

FY2014 saw HAC record its highest number of annual passengers at 184,000, a 6% increase over the previous year. "We've been concentrating on maintaining safe and stable operations, and we believe that paid dividends," said Mr. Kuwano, who stressed that that emphasis would continue. Passenger numbers plummeted when the tiny regional airline suffered a landing incident and a maintenance mishap in 2011, which were well-covered by local media. Its system-wide load factor for FY2014 was 62.8%. "Most of our customers use us for business travel, so there should still be lots we could tap into in the leisure market," said Mr. Kuwano, eager to improve that figure. HAC intends to boost sales through increasing promotional fares as well as package tours in conjunction with JAL.

From its hub at Okadama, the smaller but more convenient airport near downtown of Hokkaido's capital, HAC currently operates to Hakodate, Kushiro, Misawa, and Rishiri [RIS/RJER], plus a link to Okushiri [OIR/RJEO] from Hakodate, using a fleet of three 36-seat Saab SF340Bs. Its oldest aircraft is now over 17 years old, and HAC will start considering replacement by the end of FY2015. Sister carrier Japan Air Commuter [3X/JAC] also operates 10 SF340s, and Mr. Kuwano said "The successor would be evaluated together with other JAL group companies."

Source: Nikkei Shimbun, April 23rd. (in Japanese)

JAL contemplating Dallas-Fort Worth.

Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] is considering Dallas-Fort Worth [DFW/KDFW], according to President Yoshiharu Ueki, especially after Toyota decided to move its North American headquarters to the Texas metropolis by 2017. Dallas-Fort Worth is the biggest hub of joint-venture (JV) and Oneworld partner American Airlines [AA/AAL], which currently operates double-daily to Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] from the Texas airport.

Boeing 777-246/ER JA705J Contrail departs Haneda. JAL has decided to refurbish most, if not all 11, of their 777-200ERs with their award-winning Sky Suite new interior product. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

"Dallas is an important destination under consideration, and we are discussing with American," said Mr. Ueki, revealing the two carriers are talking about JAL taking over one of American's two daily round-trips. "American has an extensive network to Latin America, and Dallas is also a good transfer city for Mexico, which is seeing more automobile companies establishing bases," Mr. Ueki continued, though refraining from giving any time frame.

JAL, which just resumed Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Los Angeles [LAX/KLAX] on March 20th (JAL resumes Kansai – Los Angeles.), is keen on strengthening North America. Mr. Ueki prefers to serve Dallas from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT], which has nine daytime international slot-pairs for U.S.A. routes that have yet to be distributed, due to the authorities so far being unable to reach an agreement regarding which side receives how many. "Customers are calling for more North American routes from Haneda. We hope to see the two countries making progress in talks. JAL is ready to fly anytime," said Mr. Ueki.

Meanwhile, rival All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] is already preparing to launch daily Narita – Houston/George Bush [IAH/KIAH] on June 12th (ANA announces Houston and Southeast Asia expansion.), becoming the first Japanese carrier to serve the Lone Star State. Houston is a hub for JV and Star Alliance partner United Airlines [UA/UAL].

Source: Nikkei Shimbun, March 23rd. (in Japanese)

JAL resumes Kansai – Los Angeles.

On March 20th, Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] inaugurated daily Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Los Angeles [LAX/KLAX] service using 186-seat (42 business and 144 economy) Boeing 787-8s, resuming the route after an eight-year hiatus (JAL reveals Winter 2014/2015 international plans.). The inaugural outbound flight JL060 departed Kansai at 1520, carrying 184 passengers (including one child), eight flight attendants, and three pilots. Passengers received a handkerchief, candies, message cards, and a flight certificate.

JAL staff see off their inaugural flight from Kansai to Los Angeles. Boeing 787-8 JA823J was assigned. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

"We used Jumbo Jets on the route until 2006, when high fuel prices forced us to suspend it. We had received strong voices from the local business community to resume the route, and now we are in a position to do that. It's another new step forward for JAL. We hope to contribute to the Kansai region's (Greater Osaka) economy," said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of JAL, who was also on board the flight. "The number of tourists to Japan is increasing, and we also hope to tap into that market from Los Angeles, along with the market for business travel," Mr. Ueki added.

Flight Schedule:
Kansai – Los Angeles NEW 1 daily with 787-8.
JL060 KIX 1520 – 0920 LAX 788 Daily *Mar/20 - 28.
JL060 KIX 1730 – 1150 LAX 788 Daily *Mar/29 - Jun/30, Oct/1 - 24.
JL060 KIX 1730 – 1220 LAX 788 Daily *Jul/1 - Sep/30.
JL069 LAX 1120 – 1550(+1) KIX 788 Daily *Mar/20-28.
JL069 LAX 1350 – 1820(+1) KIX 788 Daily *Mar/29 - Jun/30, Oct/1 - 24. 
JL069 LAX 1410 – 1820(+1) KIX 788 Daily *Jul/1 - Sep/30.

JAL formerly operated 747-400s on the route from September 1994, when Greater Osaka's new international gateway on the artificial island opened, to September 2006. 448-seat-configured machines were deployed in the final days. Taiwan's EVA Airways [BR/EVA] also flew the route until October 2009. Los Angeles is home to the world's largest Japanese population outside Japan, and the new round-trip complements JAL's existing daily flight from Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA]. Passengers will also be able to make onward connections beyond Los Angeles on joint-venture (JV) and Oneworld partner American Airlines [AA/AAL] to 37 destinations in the U.S.A.

Keiichi Ando, President of New Kansai International Airport Company (NKIAC), which operates both airports at Kansai and Osaka/Itami [ITM/RJOO], said "After Los Angeles, we want to push for London (JAL to resume Kansai to London and Los Angeles in 2015.). But Los Angeles needs to become successful for that to happen," adding "We will support the route in any way possible, including providing landing fee discounts and promoting the service to local businesses." Meanwhile, Mr. Ueki replied "We understand there is a call for London, but we must prepare well for that," adding "Compared to Los Angeles, the London market is smaller. If we are sure we can make both ends meet, we will consider it."

Japan's flag carrier flew the Kansai – London/Heathrow [LHR/EGLL] route until March 2009. The new Los Angeles service adds to JAL's modest international network from Kansai that includes Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi [BKK/VTBS], Honolulu [HNL/PHNL], Seoul/Gimpo [GMP/RKSS] (to be suspended from March 29th), Shanghai/Pudong [PVG/ZSPD], and Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP].

Source: Aviation Wire, March 20th. (in Japanese)
Source: FlightLiner, March 20th. (in Japanese)

ANA and AirAsia bid to save Skymark.

Follow-up from Skymark likely to accept ANA sponsorship.

On February 23rd, ANA Holdings and AirAsia [AK/AXM] filed sponsorship proposals to assist bankrupt Skymark Airlines [BC/SKY] (Skymark to file for bankruptcy.). This day was the deadline set by Skymark's financial adviser GCA Savvian for airline firms willing to help Japan's troubled third largest carrier, while February 19th was the time limit for non-airline companies. Financial services groups Daiwa Securities, Orix, and Shinsei Bank, as well as travel agency H.I.S. and major trading firm Sojitz are some of nearly 20 non-airline names that submitted proposals.

Airbus A320-214 JA02AJ of AirAsia Japan (Mk I) taxies past ANA Wings' Boeing 737-54K JA306K at Fukuoka in August 2012. AirAsia and ANA, which had a short-lived marriage with the joint-venture, are now fighting for Skymark. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The parent of Japan's largest carrier All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] handed in a comprehensive restructuring plan (Running out of time: Will Skymark join ANA?) that includes an eventual minority interest under 20%, the maximum possible ownership change allowed if Skymark were to retain the lucrative 36 domestic slot-pairs at Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT], which are at the center of the picture. The plan includes extensive code-sharing, joint ticket sales, joint fuel purchases, joint crew training, and aligning Skymark's network with that of ANA's.

Meanwhile, the proposal submitted by the Malaysia-based pan-Asian LCC group reportedly does not include a prospective shareholding (Is AirAsia considering a Skymark takeover?). AirAsia's plans call for setting up a joint-venture with Skymark to operate their now grounded Airbus A330s (Skymark Airbus A330 operates last revenue flight.) on medium-to-long-range international routes, after reconfiguring them in a high-density layout. It would also mediate negotiations with the European planemaker for the A380 cancellation penalty (Skymark hopes to settle Airbus A380 penalty in October.), taking advantage of AirAsia's status as the biggest A330 and A320 customer. 

Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] and Delta Air Lines [DL/DAL] did not apply. "We looked at the papers, and decided investing in Skymark is not what we should be doing now," said JAL President Yoshiharu Ueki on February 18th, while Delta's Senior Vice President of New York region Gail Grimmett also said "We have no plans to invest in Skymark." For JAL, itself saved from bankruptcy by a government bailout in 2010, the controversial 8.10 Paper prohibits them from making any new investments until FY2017. Chinese LCC Spring Airlines [9C/CQH] was approached by the cash-strapped airline, but apparently, they opted to keep their hands off.
 

Airbus A330-343E JA330B rolling for takeoff from Haneda on a training flight in April 2014. The aircraft is now grounded, but AirAsia's plans call for a joint-venture (AirAsia X Japan?) to fly them on international routes. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Selecting AirAsia would help Skymark remain an independent third force with no affiliation with ANA nor JAL, which is crucial to keeping competition at Haneda and some domestic routes. Charismatic former CEO Shinichi Nishikubo had vehemently rejected ANA assistance, saying "Skymark's meaning of existence lies in that we are independent." A reincarnation of AirAsia Japan (Mk II) (AirAsia Japan is officially reborn; first flight June 2015.) is currently being set up at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] (AirAsia Japan selects Nagoya Chubu Centrair.), however, the LCC group has repeatedly expressed desire to access Haneda's domestic slots. Meanwhile, regulatory hurdles seem to have delayed the new unit's launch to fourth quarter 2015 at earliest (New AirAsia Japan's first Airbus A320 due in July.).

On the other hand, an ANA partnership would virtually relegate Skymark to merely a feeder carrier for the giant. All three other start-ups that were born after Japan's deregulation, namely AIRDO [HD/ADO] (d.b.a. Air Do), Skynet Asia Airways [6J/SNJ] (d.b.a. Solaseed Air), and Star Flyer [7G/SFJ], failed to make their business cases work and accepted ANA's minority stake in exchange for giving ANA managerial control and hence de facto control of their respective precious Haneda slots. ANA veterans replaced management (New Star Flyer President is from ANA.), code-sharing was implemented on their entire networks, and routes and schedules are now closely coordinated with ANA.

Skymark's current Representative Chairman Takashi Ide had previously said "We seriously thought we could hand over management to Tony (Fernandes)," preferring AirAsia or any overseas partner over ANA or JAL. But winds seem to have changed and Mr. Ide revealed last week that they are seeking for sponsorship from a Japanese major airline (Skymark likely to accept ANA sponsorship.), adding "Our brand was stuck in the middle (of full-service carriers and LCCs). There are lots of things we can learn from the major carriers, for example in service quality."

Skymark and partner investment fund Integral (Integral: Keeping Skymark the third force not priority.) will examine all proposals and likely select a single airline and a few non-airline firms as early as March. It needs to submit a corporation rehabilitation plan with the Tokyo District Court, where it filed for bankruptcy protection, by May 29th.

Source: Aviation Wire, February 18th. (in Japanese)
Source: Nikkei Shimbun, February 19th. (in Japanese)
Source: NHK, February 23rd. (in Japanese)
Source: Nikkei Shimbun, February 23rd. (in Japanese)

Skymark likely to accept ANA sponsorship.

Skymark Airlines [BC/SKY] is bankrupt (Skymark to file for bankruptcy.). But the biggest question does not change: who will come to save them? ANA Holdings, parent of Japan's largest carrier All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA], financial services group Orix, travel agency H.I.S., Shinsei Bank, and major trading firm Sojitz seem to be some of the high-profile names that have shown interest so far. At the center of the picture is the cash-strapped airline's 36 slot-pairs at Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT], the preferred but heavily-regulated downtown airport serving the capital.

ANA, JAL, and Skymark aircraft at Haneda. The flagship all-premium A330s were grounded only three days after announcing its bankruptcy filing. An ANA/Skymark tie-up is appearing likely, which is the last thing JAL wants to see. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Last spring, a few months before Skymark's Airbus A380 issue (Skymark's Airbus A380 order in jeopardy.) came into light, Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) was already aware of the troubled airline's deteriorating financial health and had approached Delta Air Lines [DL/DAL] to assist. ANA and Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] furiously lobbied the government not to allow an airline holding Haneda's domestic slots to slip into foreign hands. 

When JAL filed for bankruptcy in 2010, JCAB succeeded in bringing Delta to the table to discuss a plan to save JAL together with Japanese investment firms. JAL eventually chose government bailout and remained aligned with Oneworld partner American Airlines [AA/AAL]. However, this time with Skymark, the Skyteam carrier concluded to keep its hands off, probably considering the embattled carrier's growing debt and Airbus A380 problem (Skymark hopes to settle Airbus A380 penalty in October.), along with the uncertainty of their 36 slot-pairs at Haneda, which would need to be relinquished if ownership change exceeds 20%.

Boeing 757-2Q8(WL) N624AG taxies at New York's JFK Airport. Although Delta fought fiercely to lure then-bankrupt JAL, it has apparently decided to keep its hands off of Skymark. With ANA/United and JAL/American joint-ventures now well established, Delta is at a disadvantage in the Japan market. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Meanwhile, knowing that accepting financial aid from ANA would "deny Skymark's meaning of existence as Japan's third force," former President and CEO Shinichi Nishikubo had looked overseas for investors from early 2014. Reportedly, Mr. Nishikubo talked with the AirAsia Group the most. Actually, AirAsia Japan (Mk I) [JW/WAJ] (CoachFlyer JW8541: NRT - FUK on AirAsia Japan's Airbus A320.), the failed joint-venture between the Malaysia-based pan-Asian LCC group and ANA, was originally planned to have Skymark as its partner, until ANA came in fearing the potential of the combination.

Although group CEO Tony Fernandes denied rumors then (Is AirAsia considering a Skymark takeover?), a three-way deal was discussed where Airbus would significantly reduce the A380 cancellation penalty if AirAsia [AK/AXM] took over Skymark. "We seriously thought we could hand over management to Tony," current Representative Chairman Takashi Ide revealed. But Skymark was in the middle of transforming themselves into a low-fare premium airline (Skymark Airlines inaugurates Airbus A330 service.), and after JCAB officially quoted that ownership change exceeding 20% would necessitate giving all Haneda slots back to the regulator (Skymark's fate: MLIT discourages foreign investment.), talks ended in November.

Airbus A320-216 HS-ABB of Thai AirAsia taxies at Khon Kaen. Asia's largest LCC group has discussed a potential tie-up with Skymark several times to gain access to the preferred but heavily-regulated airport in Japan's by far most important market. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

However, discussions with Mr. Fernandes quietly resumed again in early January, this time with Singaporean and different Japanese investment funds. The deal included reconfiguring Skymark's A330s (Skymark Airbus A330 operates last revenue flight.) in a high-density layout and placing them on international routes, hinting an AirAsia X Japan. But the plan was reportedly shelved before February after one of the investment funds withdrew. At the same time, Mr. Nishikubo also approached Spring Airlines [9C/CQH] and its Japanese affiliate Spring Airlines Japan [IJ/SJO] for help. Response from the Chinese LCC group was positive, however, they needed to carry out due diligence, and Skymark ran out of time.

According to an interview on February 16th, Mr. Ide revealed that the proposed three-way code-share with ANA and JAL would likely be scrapped (Skymark seeks investor airline; scraps ANA & JAL dual tie-up.). The planned partnership was aimed at filling seats of Skymark's Airbus A330s, but those aircraft have now been grounded. Probably shocking for former chief Mr. Nishikubo, Mr. Ide said he now prefers sponsorship from a Japanese major airline rather than an overseas airline, adding "Our brand was stuck in the middle (of full-service carriers and LCCs). There are lots of things we can learn from the major carriers, for example in service quality." He said if a Japanese major carrier offered financial assistance, Skymark would accept it.

Airbus A320-214 B-6706 of Spring Airlines at Ibaraki. China's first and largest LCC group, which already flies 13 routes to Japan covering six destinations, also showed interest in aiding Skymark. Its Japanese unit currently operates domestic routes, with Chinese destinations to be launched later this year, with an all-Boeing 737 fleet. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

After the bankruptcy filing, a JAL spokesperson said "We have never considered an investment in Skymark, and have no plans to." Also, the controversial 8.10 Paper prohibits JAL, itself saved from bankruptcy by a government bailout in 2010, from making any new investments until FY2017. Meanwhile, on February 13th, ANA Holdings' outgoing President Shinichiro Ito publicly said "We have been very interested in Skymark. We are evaluating how Japan's air industry should be shaped, and how we could do that." Shinya Katanozaka, incoming President effective April 1st, added "Air Do, Skynet Asia, Star Flyer all have important roles to play under the ANA umbrella. I could see Skymark's role there too as a community-focused airline. We don't really see a need for a third force."

Delta and JAL are out, and AirAsia and Spring may be considering. But ANA is surely creeping towards putting Skymark's lucrative 36 Haneda slot-pairs into their hands, with a roadmap reportedly already in place since last year to transform it into a feeder carrier for ANA, replicating what it did with AIRDO [HD/ADO] (d.b.a. Air Do), Skynet Asia Airways [6J/SNJ] (d.b.a. Solaseed Air), and Star Flyer [7G/SFJ]. And Skymark is likely to accept that offer, now that charismatic Mr. Nishikubo is no longer at helm (Running out of time: Will Skymark join ANA?). For sponsorship contenders, deadline for application by non-airline firms is February 19th, while for airlines is 23rd, according to Skymark's financial advisor GCA Savvian.

JAL controls 40.0% of domestic slot-pairs (184.5) at Haneda with ANA holding 37.4% (172.5), however, the latter virtually controls 52.2% when combining those of Air Do, Solaseed Air, and Star Flyer, in which ANA owns minority stakes and implements extensive code-sharing and schedule coordinating. Placing Skymark, which controls 7.8% (36), under the umbrella of Japan's largest airline would virtually have ANA dominate 60.0% of slots at Haneda, which is the last thing JAL wants to see. And needless to say, a return to the ANA/JAL duopoly era would be detrimental to the flying public. 

Source: Aviation Wire, February 2nd. (in Japanese)
Source: Nikkei Shimbun, February 13th. (in Japanese)
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, February 13th. (in Japanese)
Source: Nikkei Shimbun, February 14th. (in Japanese)
Source: Mainichi Shimbun, February 16th. (in Japanese) 
Source: Sankei Shimbun, February 17th. (in Japanese) 
Source: Nikkei Shimbun, February 20th. (in Japanese) 
Source: Toyo Keizai, February 20th. (in Japanese)

*Edited/updated on February 20th.