Fuji Dream Airlines announces Shizuoka – Okadama.

On April 11th, Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] announced that they will launch Shizuoka [FSZ/RJNS] – Sapporo/Okadama [OKD/RJCO] on June 4th. The route will initially operate two days a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays using either 76-seat Embraer ERJ170-100s (E170s) or 84-seat ERJ170-200s (E175s). It will supplement the Shizuoka-headquartered niche carrier's existing five-times-weekly Shizuoka – Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC] service. Although not yet announced, the new link will likely code-share with partner Japan Airlines [JL/JAL].

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA05FJ arrives into snowy Aomori. Fuji Dream's fleet is comprised of seven E175s and three smaller E170s, with four more of the former on order. The Mitsubishi Regional Jet is currently being evaluated as a long-term replacement for the current E-Jets. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Fuji Dream has operated various charters from Okadama since carrying out flight testing in July 2013 to check the E170's landing and takeoff performance with the 1,500-meter runway and measure its noise footprint (Fuji Dream starts Okadama summer charter.). Hence launching scheduled flights to and from Okadama had been seen as a matter of time. It received its 10th E-Jet last month and the new service matches the arrival of their 11th in June (Fuji Dream Airlines' tenth Embraer E-Jet is Silver.).

Flight Schedule:
Shizuoka – Okadama NEW 2 weekly with E170/175. (Jun/4-)
JH173 FSZ 1130 – 1315 OKD E70 Tue/Sat
JH174 OKD 1345 – 1535 FSZ E70 Tue/Sat

Fuji Dream's entry into Okadama with a frequency supplementing their service to New Chitose along with identical times shows how it is largely an experiment to see which of the airports passengers actually prefer, and whether there are prospects it could replicate how it successfully created a hub at Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA], the Chubu (Greater Nagoya) region's older but preferred airport located closer to downtown, which was largely replaced by Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG]. President Yohei Suzuki had said "Sapporo can support a dual airport strategy with two respective roles."

Local regional airline Hokkaido Air System [HC/NTH], which was made a subsidiary of JAL once again in October 2014 (JAL raises Hokkaido Air System stake to 51%.), is based at Okadama and is the only scheduled carrier using the airport. Although much smaller than its bigger sister New Chitose, which is located 40 kilometers away from the Hokkaido capital, Okadama is compact and is only six kilometers from downtown Sapporo. Its proximity has been less felt as travel to New Chitose from center city has efficiently been reduced to a 40-minute train ride, while reaching Okadama requires transferring from subway to bus resulting in a 25-minute travel time from Sapporo Station.

As major airports become crowded, Fuji Dream is striving to be a niche carrier flying into smaller but more convenient secondary airports of major cities, taking advantage of smaller E-Jets. Launching a hub at Chubu Centrair is still being evaluated, as parking space at Komaki becomes scarce (Fuji Dream mulls Chubu – Narita and international charters.), but that may be risky as the larger airport serving the Chubu region is well-served by All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] and a growing number of LCCs, including AirAsia Japan (Mk II) [DJ], which is launching with a hub there this summer (New AirAsia Japan delays service entry to July 2016.). Proposed Komaki – Okadama could bear fruit if Shizuoka – Okadama proves successful and an agreement could be reached with partner JAL, which already operates Chubu Centrair – New Chitose.   

Source: Fuji Dream Airlines, 2016 April 11th. (in Japanese)

Fuji Dream Airlines' tenth Embraer E-Jet is Silver.

On March 5th, Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] took delivery of Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA10FJ, their 10th aircraft. Painted and named Silver, it features the Brazilian manufacturer's Fuel Burn Improvement Package 2, as on their ninth airframe Gold (Fuji Dream's ninth Embraer E-Jet is Gold.). It boasts new wingtips and several other minor aerodynamic changes such as wheel caps and auxiliary power unit (APU) air inlet improvements, resulting in a 5.5% reduction in fuel burn. Other changes include new LED navigation lights.

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA10FJ Silver is greeted by Fuji Dream employees upon arrival at Nagoya's Komaki Airport on March 9th. (Photo: Fuji Dream Airlines)

The 84-seat aircraft departed São José dos Campos [SJK/SBSJ] on the same day and touched down at the airline's Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA] hub four days later on March 9th at 1552 JST, flying a similar route as their eighth (Fuji Dream Airlines receives eighth E-Jet 'Tea Green'.) and ninth airframes. On the way, it made stops at Natal [NAT/SBNT], Sal [SID/GVAC], Almeria [LEI/LEAM], Larnaca [LCA/LCLK], Dubai/Al Maktoum [DWC/OMDW], Kolkata/Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose [CCU/VECC], Can Tho [VCA/VVCT], and Kaohsiung [KHH/RCKH]. Total flight time was 32 hours and 40 minutes, traveling over 21,700 kilomters (13,500 miles).

The inaugural revenue flight for Silver took place on March 11th as JH355 from Komaki to Hanamaki [HNA/RJSI]. It flew the return leg to Komaki as JH356 and was then assigned to Kitakyushu [KKJ/RJFR] and back on flights JH407/408. While their ninth airframe was used to open up new markets to Izumo [IZO/RJOC] and Kitakyushu in March 2015 (Fuji Dream launches Izumo and Kitakyushu.), their 10th will be used to increase frequency in existing markets, with up to 34 daily round-trips scheduled, an increase from 29 for Summer 2015. It will also be utilized to increase its growing charter business, which accounted for 1,050 of Fuji Dream's flights in FY2015.

Summer 2016 Schedule Changes (effective Mar/27):
Komaki –  Aomori increase from 2 to 3 daily.
Komaki – Hanamaki increase from 3 to 4 daily.
Komaki – Izumo increase from 1 to 2 daily. (from Jul/1)
Komaki – Kochi increase from 1 to 2 daily.
Komaki – Yamagata increase from 1 to 2 daily.
Shizuoka – Kagoshima daily maintained. (3 weekly in Summer 2015)
Shizuoka – New Chitose NEW 5 weekly. (resumption)

Meanwhile, the Shizuoka-based regional carrier will be receiving its 11th E-Jet in June. Details regarding what roles it would play have not been officially released, however, President Yohei Suzuki has spoken of launching a base Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG], the newer and premier international airport serving the Chubu (Greater Nagoya) region, to launch midnight international charters to China, South Korea, and Taiwan, as well as start Chubu Centrair – Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] (Fuji Dream mulls Chubu – Narita and international charters.). The latter service would code-share with and feed overseas carriers flying into Narita, and Mr. Suzuki had admitted that discussions with multiple airlines are already taking place.

Source: Fuji Dream Airlines, 2016 January 20th. (in Japanese)
Source: Fuji Dream Airlines @ Facebook. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 March 9th. (in Japanese)

Fuji Dream loads Mount Fuji scenic flight.

Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] will operate a one-off, one-way service from Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA] to Shizuoka [FSZ/RJNS] on December 3rd. Dubbed Mount Fuji Scenic Flight, the charter operation will depart at 0700 JST, fly over Yaezu City, then approach near Mount Fuji, and move over to Fujinomiya City, before arriving into the World Heritage Site's nearest commercial airport around 0800.

Embraer ERJ170-100STD (E170) JA01FJ Dream Red resting between flights at FDA's Shizuoka hub. Will their ninth aircraft, slated to arrive in March 2015, replace their first? Or will they add new routes? (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

A 76-seat Embraer ERJ170 (E170) will be assigned, however, FDA is capping the passenger number for the flight to just 19, with each passenger to be allocated an entire row (four seats) to provide the best views of Japan's tallest mountain.

Flight Schedule:
Komaki – Shizuoka charter with E170.
JH5071 NKM 0700 – 0800 FSZ E70 *Dec/3 only.

Price is set at 9,800 JPY per person, including a 1,000 JPY QUO prepaid shopping card gift that would be handed out. Tickets went on sale on November 19th at 0900 and was closed on November 21st at 1500. Travelers needed to be either a friend on FDA's Facebook page or an account holder on FDA's website in order to purchase.

Reference: Fuji Dream Airlines @ Facebook, November 17th. (in Japanese)
Reference: FlightLiner, November 19th. (in Japanese)

Fuji Dream to go daily on Shizuoka – Kagoshima.

On August 20th, Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) announced their Winter 2014/2015 schedule, effective October 26th. Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS) – Kagoshima (KOJ/RJFK) will be upgraded to a daily service, while flights to the snowy north will be reduced, with Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA) – Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) to be cut from three to two round-trips, and the four-times-weekly Shizuoka – Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) service suspended until summer next year.

Embraer ERJ170-100STD (E170) JA02FJ Light Blue at Fukuoka. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Frequency Increases:
Shizuoka – Kagoshima from 4 to 7 weekly.

Frequency Reductions:
Komaki – Aomori from 3 to 2 daily.

Suspensions:
Shizuoka – New Chitose 4 weekly. *To resume on Mar/29.  

The New Chitose round-trip from Shizuoka code-shares with Japan Airlines (JL/JAL), competing with All Nippon Airways' (NH/ANA) year-round daily flight operated by Boeing 737-800s.

Reference: Fuji Dream Airlines, August 20th. (PDF; in Japanese)

Fuji Dream orders up to six more Embraer E175s.

At the Farnborough International Airshow, Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) and Embraer announced that they have signed an order for up to six ERJ170-200s (E175s), consisting of three firm and three options. This order was already included in the Brazilian manufacturer's 2014 second quarter backlog as an undisclosed customer. Based on 2014 list prices, the order is valued at USD 258.6 million if all options are exercised.

Yohei Suzuki, CEO and Chairman of FDA, is congratulated by Paulo Cesar Silva, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. Showing off a new colorful carp-themed model, is a new round of special liveries coming up at FDA? (Photo: Aviation International)

"E-Jets tick all the right boxes that have been crucial to the success of Fuji Dream Airlines - efficiency, performance, exceptional economics and solid customer support that is second to none," said Yohei Suzuki, CEO and Chairman of FDA, at the biennial event. "These technologically-advanced jets have proven themselves over the years and we are confident of its capability to help us profitably expand our network and enhance our frequency. The additions to our fleet will provide our customers greater flexibility and choices, as well as the superior comfort they have enjoyed on the E-Jets." Deliveries will start in March 2015 and one will be added each March until 2017.

The newly-ordered E175s will be configured in a single-class 84-seat layout and will be equipped with the auto-land system to perform ILS CAT III approach and landing in limited visual conditions. FDA flies scheduled services to Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) (CoachFlyer JH366: AOJ – NKM on Fuji Dream Airlines' Embraer E175.) and Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC), both CAT III-equipped airports notorious for foggy springs and snowy winters. The new E175s will also feature recent aerodynamic enhancements, such as a new wingtip and other technical improvements that reduce fuel burn.

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA06FJ Purple departs from the Komaki hub in Nagoya with ERJ170-100/STD (E170) JA01FJ Dream Red and E175 JA05FJ Orange in the background. (Photo: FDA)

This order is a blow to the Mitsubishi Regional Jet family, the factory of which is ironically located at FDA's biggest hub at Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA). However, the MRJ has been plagued by development delays which have postponed first delivery by four years to April 2017, and FDA probably couldn't wait for that.

The Komaki-based airline currently operates five E175s and three ERJ170-100s (E170s). With the new additions, FDA intends to re-expand operations at Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS), its headquarters and hometown of parent Suzuyo. Kumamoto (KMJ/RJFT) is rumored to be the top candidate. It had earlier postponed these plans, citing the airport's curfew between 2030 and 0730, which is based on an agreement with local communities and cannot be changed until 2015. Currently, FDA's Shizuoka operations see three daily flights to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF), a daily flight to Kagoshima (KOJ/RJFK), and summer seasonal service to Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) with four weekly flights.

Now that most fingers point to an AirAsia Japan (Mk II) hub at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) (AirAsia Japan is officially reborn; first flight June 2015.), FDA will certainly be facing some new competition next year, though their location is at downtown Komaki and cater more to business travelers than leisure. How will FDA respond?

Reference: Embraer, July 15th. (in English)
Reference: PR Newswire, July 15th. (in English)

FDA plans charters to Aomori, Hokkaido, and Okinawa.

Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) is planning various charter flights to Aomori, Hokkaido, and Okinawa from its hubs at Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA) and Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS) this upcoming summer.

Embraer ERJ170-100STD (E170) JA01FJ 'Dream Red' arriving at Fukuoka. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

FDA will fly a round-trip flight between Shizuoka and Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) on April 26th, 28th, and May 2nd as part of Hankyu Travel International's package tour to see Hirosaki's Sakura (cherry blossom) Festival in Aomori during 'Golden Week'. The airline already operates two daily scheduled round-trips between Komaki and Aomori, which will be increased to three from July 1st (Fuji Dream Airlines' Summer 2014 changes.).

To Okinawa prefecture in southern Japan, Fuji Dream will fly to Miyako (MMY/ROMY) from Komaki on April 27th on behalf of Japan's largest travel agency JTB, and from Shizuoka on May 1st, 3rd, and 6th on behalf of tour firm Tabix.

From June 28th to September 20th, FDA will fly a weekly single round-trip between Komaki and Sapporo/Okadama (OKD/RJCO), the downtown airport of the Hokkaido capital, on Saturdays using Embraer ERJ170-100s (E170). Plans are also underway to operate up to 98 charter flights to and from Wakkanai (WKJ/RJCW) at the northernmost tip of Hokkaido from Komaki, Matsumoto (MMJ/RJAF), Niigata (KIJ/RJSN), and Shizuoka between June 13th and August 18th. 

FDA currently operates five ERJ170-200s (E175) and three ERJ170-100s (E170), and its eighth aircraft was only delivered (Fuji Dream Airlines receives eighth E-Jet 'Tea Green'.) roughly two weeks ago. The company's mission has been 'bridging communities to promote exchanges in people, products, economy, and culture'. 

Source: Hokkaido Shimbun, March 12th. (in Japanese)
Source: Miyako Mainichi Shimbun, March 13th. (in Japanese)
Source: FlyTeam, March 18th. (in Japanese)

Fuji Dream Airlines receives eighth E-Jet 'Tea Green'.

Fuji Dream Airlines' (JH/FDA) took delivery of Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA08FJ, their eighth aircraft, on February 27th. 'Tea Green' was chosen from a poll, which the airline regularly runs to decide the livery whenever a new aircraft is introduced. The color also pays tribute to Shizuoka prefecture, which is Japan's biggest green tea producer. JA08FJ departed São José dos Campos (SJK/SBSJ) on that day and arrived four days later today on March 3rd at the airline's home in Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS), some 18,000 kilometers (11,200 miles) away.

Embraer staff and Fuji Dream's ferry flight crew pose with 'Tea Green' before departure from São José dos Campos. (Photo: FDA)

After leaving São José dos Campos at 1100 local time on February 28th, the 3,000 kilometer-range regional hauler made a refueling stop at Natal (NAT/SBNT), then crossing over the Atlantic to refuel again at Espargos (SID/GVAC), Cape Verde, and arrived at Almeria (LEI/LEAM), Spain for a night's stay. The following day, the aircraft flew to Dubai/Al Maktoum (DWC/OMDW) via a refueling stop at Larnaca (LCA/LCLK), Cyprus, before making a flight to Hong Kong (HKG/VHHH) via Kolkata/Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU/VECC), India the day after that. On the fourth day, it made its final leg from Hong Kong to Shizuoka, arriving at 1420, local time, on March 3rd.

JA08FJ's ferry route spanning halfway around the globe. (Image: FDA)

Fuji Dream has been enthusiast-friendly, posting details along with photos about the ferry flight on their Facebook page. 'Tea Green' is planned to enter service on March 8th on flight JH141, service from Shizuoka to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF). The addition of their eighth aircraft enables them to launch the new Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA) - Yamagata (GAJ/RJSC) route as well as increase frequencies to Aomori (AOJ/RJSA) and Hanamaki (HNA/RJSI) (Fuji Dream Airlines' Summer 2014 changes.), and fly more regional charters to 'experiment' which routes could be viable. The company's mission has been 'bridging communities to promote exchanges in people, products, economy, and culture'.

ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA08FJ 'Tea Green' at Shizuoka after arrival. (Photo: FDA)

An article I've written on Fuji Dream Airlines is featured in the April 2014 issue of Airways magazine. Enjoy.

Source: Fuji Dream Airlines @ Facebook (in Japanese)

Fuji Dream Airlines to fly charters to Oki and from Izumo.

Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) will operate one-way charters from Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS) to Oki (OKI/RJNO), an island 50 kilometers northwest of Yonago in Shimane prefecture, on March 8th and 12th. Return flights will depart from Izumo (IZO/RJOC) and fly back to Shizuoka on March 10th and 14th, respectively.

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) JA05FJ 'Orange' at Nagoya's Komaki Airport. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

This sightseeing tour that will visit the major attractions of Shimane prefecture is being sold by Japan's biggest travel packages firm JTB. Fuji Dream had stated that their eighth aircraft, an Embraer E175 which will arrive in March, will enable them to fly more charters.

Source: FlyTeam, February 6th. (in Japanese)

Fuji Dream Airlines announces Yamagata.

On January 14th, Fuji Dream Airlines (JH/FDA) announced the launch of Nagoya/Komaki (NKM/RJNA) - Yamagata (GAJ/RJSC) service from March 30th. It will coincide with the delivery of their eighth aircraft. The timetable is as follows:

March 30 - June 30, 2014
JH383 NKM 1330 - 1435 GAJ E70 Daily
JH384 GAJ 1505 - 1620 NKM E70 Daily

July 1 - October 25, 2014
JH383 NKM 1150 - 1255 GAJ E70 Daily
JH384 GAJ 1325 - 1440 NKM E70 Daily 

Their eighth Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175), to be delivered in March as JA08FJ, will be painted in 'tea green', representing Shizuoka's famous green tea farms. Their ninth to eleventh aircraft will be acquired to replace its three smaller Embraer ERJ170-100s (E170). 

Computer-generated image of FDA's eighth E-Jet 'Tea Green'. (Image: FDA)

Launching new destinations from its hometown of Shizuoka (FSZ/RJNS), which the airline said was considering, has been postponed, citing the airport's curfew, which cannot be changed until at least 2015. When the airport opened in June 2009, it had reached an agreement with local communities that flights would be operated only between 0730 and 2030. Currently, FDA's Shizuoka operations see three daily flights to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF), a daily flight to Kagoshima (KOJ/RJFK), and summer seasonal service to Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC). Its headquarters and crew training center are also located there. For the time being, FDA will add more frequencies to current cities served from Komaki.

Source: Fuji Dream Airlines (PDF; in Japanese)