IBEX Airlines announces Nagoya – Miyazaki.

On January 20th, IBEX Airlines [FW/IBX] announced that it will add Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] – Miyazaki [KMI/RJFM] effective March 27th, the beginning of the Summer 2016 schedule. The new service will be operated by 70-seat Bombardier CRJ-700NGs on a daily basis. It is virtually a transfer of one of partner All Nippon Airways' [NH/ANA] current three frequencies, as the new round-trip will code-share with ANA while ANA is axing one flight.

Bombardier CL-600-2C10 CRJ-702NG JA05RJ taxies at Narita. Note the ANA Connection titles. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The new link, along with their double-daily Chubu Centrair – Oita [OIT/RJFO] route, will be increased to three times daily from August 5th to 22nd, during Japan's Obon (homecoming) period. Meanwhile, the commuter airline will decrease Chubu Centrair – Sendai [SDJ/RJSS] from three to two times daily. Code-share partner ANA will not be adding back any service.

Flight Schedule:
Chubu Centrair – Miyazaki NEW daily with CRJ700. (Mar/27-)
FW031 NGO 0855 – 1010 KMI CR7 Daily *Aug/5-22.
FW033 NGO 1105 – 1220 KMI CR7 Daily
FW035 NGO 1540 – 1655 KMI CR7 Daily *Aug/5-22.
FW032 KMI 1040 – 1155 NGO CR7 Daily *Aug/5-22.
FW034 KMI 1250 – 1405 NGO CR7 Daily
FW036 KMI 1725 – 1840 NGO CR7 Daily *Aug/5-22.

IBEX currently operates seven CRJ-700NGs and two CRJ-200ERs and all flights code-share with ANA under the branding ANA Connection. Their eighth CRJ-700NG will be delivered in June 2016, allowing a 50-seat CRJ-200ER to be retired. IBEX is majority controlled together by software developer Japan Digital Laboratory (JDL), which owns 47.9%, and its President Kazuo Maezawa, which holds another 18.8%.

Source: IBEX Airlines, 2016 January 20th. (in Japanese)
Source: All Nippon Airways, 2016 January 20th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 January 20th. (in Japanese)

Jetstar Japan reveals Manila, downsizes Kumamoto.

On January 19th, Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] announced that it will add Manila/Ninoy Aquino [MNL/RPLL] to its network this spring (Jetstar Japan launches Taipei, next up Manila.), with service from Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] commencing on March 15th, Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] on April 1st, and Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] on April 7th. All flights will be operated by 180-seat Airbus A320-200s. This marks the first time a Japanese LCC lands in the Philippines.

Airbus A320-232(SL) JA19JJ taxies for departure from Narita's Terminal 3, dedicated to LCCs. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Narita – Manila will initially start off with three weekly round-trips, gradually increasing to up to seven times weekly. Chubu Centrair – Manila will commence with up to seven weekly, and Kansai – Manila with up to four times weekly. Sister Jetstar Asia Airways [3K/JSA] already operates three times weekly on the Kansai – Manila route, and together the Jetstar Group will offer up to seven-times-weekly service. Along with Jetstar Airways [JQ/JST], the three had received antitrust immunity from Japanese authorities to coordinate schedules and prices on routes between Japan and Taiwan and the Philippines last October.

Flight Schedule:
Narita – Manila/Ninoy Aquino NEW up to daily with A320-200.
GK041 NRT 2005 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Tu/Th/Sa *Mar/15-19.
GK041 NRT 2005 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Mo/Tu/We/Th/Sa *Mar/20-26.
GK041 NRT 2010 – 0010(+1) MNL 32A/320 Fr *Mar/20-26.
GK041 NRT 2030 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Tu/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *Mar/27-Apr/3.
GK041 NRT 2030 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Tu/We/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *Apr/4-28.
GK041 NRT 2030 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Daily *Apr/29-May/8, Jun/1-30.
GK041 NRT 2030 – 0005(+1) MNL 32A/320 Tu/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *May/9-31.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0615 NRT 32A/320 We/Fr/Su *Mar/16-20.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0615 NRT 32A/320 Tu/We/Th/Fr/Sa/Su *Mar/21-27.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0635 NRT 32A/320 Mo *Mar/28.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0635 NRT 32A/320 We/Fr *Mar/29-Apr/4.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0635 NRT 32A/320 We/Th *Apr/5-29.
GK040 MNL 0105 – 0635 NRT 32A/320 We *May/10-Jun/10.
GK040 MNL 0035 – 0605 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Sa/Su *Mar/29-Apr/4.
GK040 MNL 0035 – 0605 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Sa/Su *Apr/5-29.
GK040 MNL 0035 – 0605 NRT 32A/320 Daily *Apr/30-May/9.
GK040 MNL 0035 – 0605 NRT 32A/320 Mo/Tu/Sa/Su *May/10-Jun/1.
GK040 MNL 0035 – 0605 NRT 32A/320 Daily *Jun/2-Jul/1.

Chubu Centrair – Manila/Ninoy Aquino NEW up to daily with A320-200.
GK095 NGO 2030 – 2335 MNL 32A/320 Fr/Sa/Su *Apr/1-3.
GK095 NGO 2030 – 2335 MNL 32A/320 Mo/Fr/Sa/Su *Apr/4-28, May/9-31.
GK095 NGO 2030 – 2335 MNL 32A/320 Daily *Apr/29-May/8, Jun/1-30.
GK094 MNL 0105 – 0555 NGO 32A/320 Mo/Sa/Su *Apr/2-4.
GK094 MNL 0105 – 0555 NGO 32A/320 Mo/Fr/Sa/Su *Apr/5-29, May/10-Jun/1.
GK094 MNL 0105 – 0555 NGO 32A/320 Daily *Apr/30-May/9, Jun/2-Jul/1.

Kansai – Manila/Ninoy Aquino NEW up to 4 weekly with A320-200.
GK081 KIX 2030 – 2335 MNL 32A/320 Tu/We/Th/Fr *Apr/7-28, Jun/1-30.
GK081 KIX 2030 – 2335 MNL 32A/320 Tu/Th *Apr/29-May/31.
GK080 MNL 0035 – 0530 KIX 32A/320 We/Th/Fr/Sa *Apr/8-29, Jun/2-Jul/1.
GK080 MNL 0035 – 0530 KIX 32A/320 We/Fr *Apr/30-Jun/1.

All flights leave Japan in the evening, arriving in the Philippines past midnight, and make a red-eye departure for an early-morning return back to Japan. 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. The promotion is limited to 2,000 seats, and are only available for 26 hours. Normal one-way fares start from 9,000 JPY for Narita – Manila and Chubu Centrair – Manila and 8,500 JPY for Kansai – Manila, both excluding tax and fuel surcharges.

Narita – Manila is currently served by All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] (daily), Cebu Air [5J/CEB] (d.b.a. Cebu Pacific Air) (daily), Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] (x2 daily), Delta Air Lines [DL/DAL] (daily), and Philippine Airlines [PR/PAL] (x2 daily), while Chubu Centrair – Manila sees Cebu Pacific (x4 weekly) and Philippine Airlines (daily) and Kansai – Manila has Cebu Pacific (x5 weekly), Jetstar Asia (x3 weekly), and Philippine Airlines (daily). Zest Airways [Z2/EZD] (d.b.a. AirAsia Zest) is preparing to enter the Philippines – Japan market during the second half of 2016.

Meanwhile, on January 15th, Jetstar Japan had disclosed that it would axe Kansai – Kumamoto [KMJ/RJFT] effective March 27th, the beginning of the Summer 2016 timetable. It was initially launched on October 26th, 2014 with two round-trips per day (Jetstar Japan starts three routes from Kumamoto.), but later reduced to daily. Recent load factors have reportedly hovered around 50-60%. It becomes the third route suspended by the growing LCC after Chubu Centrair – Kumamoto and Kansai – Oita [OIT/RJFO] (Jetstar Japan cuts Nagoya – Kumamoto and Kansai – Oita.).

Source: Jetstar Japan, 2016 January 15th. (in Japanese)
Source: Jetstar Japan, 2016 January 19th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2016 January 19th. (in Japanese)

Air Do retires the Boeing 737-500.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

Fuji Dream mulls Chubu – Narita and international charters.

Fuji Dream Airlines [JH/FDA] will reportedly launch a base at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] by 2017 (Fuji Dream plans Izumo, Kitakyushu, and Chubu Centrair.) and start international charters along with Chubu Centrair – Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA], according to an interview by Chunichi Shimbun with President Yohei Suzuki. The niche regional carrier currently operates only domestic routes from its hubs at Nagoya/Komaki [NKM/RJNA], Chubu (Greater Nagoya) region's older but convenient airport near downtown, and Shizuoka [FSZ/RJNS], where it is headquartered.

Embraer ERJ170-200/STD JA08FJ Tea Green at Aomori, moments before rotation. Fuji Dream plans a fleet of a dozen E-Jets by 2018, though the Mitsubishi Regional Jet is currently being evaluated as a replacement in the long-term. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

FDA flies nine aircraft, comprised of six 84-seat Embraer ERJ170-200/STD (E175) and three 76-seat ERJ170-100 (E170), with the next E175 arriving in March 2016 and another coming one year later (Fuji Dream orders up to six more Embraer E175s.). All of its aircraft either return to Komaki or Shizuoka for the night, as most of the airports it serves have curfews, and FDA intends to take advantage of Chubu Centrair's 24-hour operation to experiment late-night or early-morning international charters to China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Other open-around-the-clock airports such as Kitakyushu [KKJ/RJFR] and Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] are also being considered as points of origin.

The Shizuoka-based airline also plans to add Chubu Centair – Narita in the daytime to cater to international connecting passengers, and they are reportedly talking with European and North American airlines (non-Star, non-Oneworld?) for a code-sharing agreement. Meanwhile, it will maintain its domestic network from Komaki, which currently boasts nine destinations including Aomori [AOJ/RJSA], Fukuoka [FUK/RJFF], Hanamaki [HNA/RJSI], Izumo [IZO/RJOC] (Fuji Dream launches Izumo and Kitakyushu.), Kochi [KCZ/RJOK], Kitakyushu, Kumamoto [KMJ/RJFT], Niigata [KIJ/RJSN], and Yamagata [GAJ/RJSC].

FDA has largely been able to gain popularity due to it being the sole carrier at Nagoya's preferred airport near downtown, where it essentially filled the void left by J-Air [XM/JLJ], which withdrew in March 2011. However, their upcoming 10th aircraft cannot be based at Komaki due to limited parking space, and further expansion at Komaki would come against the Aichi Government and local companies' desire to consolidate all flights at Chubu Centrair. A gentleman's agreement also prohibits flights over 1,000 kilometers from Komaki.

But for FDA, moving its entire operation to Chubu Centrair would not only mean it would lose Komaki's proximity advantage, but also suddenly put itself in competition with the plethora of LCCs adding services at Nagoya's premier international gateway. Jetstar Japan [GK/JJP] flies both domestic and international routes (Jetstar Japan adds Nagoya and Kansai to Taipei.), while the second AirAsia Japan [DJ] is starting services in April with a hub at Chubu Centrair (New AirAsia Japan receives AOC; takeoff in April 2016.). Overseas LCCs include Spring Airlines [9C/CQH] and V Air [ZV/VAX], while Tigerair Taiwan [IT/TTW] plans to start on January 29th. So for now, FDA's answer to Nagoya is a split hub.

Source: Chunichi Shimbun, 2015 December 23rd. (in Japanese)

New AirAsia Japan takeoff slipping to Summer 2016?

Effective December 1st, AirAsia Japan [DJ] revamped its board by essentially relegating CEO Yoshinori Odagiri to Adviser, a largely ceremonial position, and instead promoting CFO Osamu Hata to CEO and hiring bankrupt Skymark Airlines' [BC/SKY] former Chairman Takashi Ide as Chairman and former President Masakazu Arimori as CFO (AirAsia Japan CEO to quit, ex-Skymark executives coming.). But what made AirAsia Group swap management during such important times when it is preparing to launch operations?

Airbus A320-216(SL) JA01DJ/F-WWBV seen before delivery. It was handed over to AirAsia Japan on October 9th, and arrived at Japan on October 16th. Their second aircraft, to be adorned with a special livery designed by Mika Ninagawa, will be delivered in February. (Photo: Tobias Gudat)

Reportedly, there was unmendable distrust between James Rhee, North Asia CEO for the AirAsia Group, and Mr. Odagiri. Japan's fifth LCC had been set back with a nine-month delay (AirAsia Japan is officially reborn; first flight June 2015.), largely due to shifting strategy to focus more on the international market rather than domestic, difficulties in recruiting pilots and setting up a maintenance scheme, and much-longer-than-anticipated preparation to apply for an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), which it received on October 6th (New AirAsia Japan receives AOC; takeoff in April 2016.). But without Mr. Odagiri's strenuous yet patience-necessary talks with regulator Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), AirAsia Japan could not have obtained it. However, Mr. Rhee could not wait any longer.

On the other hand, Mr. Hata, who previously worked as CEO for Dell Japan, does not have any experience in the airline industry, let alone a unique market like Japan. So talks to headhunt the former Skymark duo reportedly started as early as late September, when they withdrew from Japan's embattled third largest airline after sponsors Integral Corporation and ANA Holdings installed a new board (Skymark relaunched with ANA sponsorship.). Mr. Ide and Mr. Arimori had maintained both official and personal relationships with Mr. Fernandes; the first AirAsia Japan (Mk I) was originally planned to be a joint-venture (JV) with Skymark until ANA stepped in, while AirAsia Group bid to sponsor Skymark (ANA and AirAsia bid to save Skymark.), and at one time Mr. Ide envisioned merging Skymark with the new AirAsia Japan in the long-term. But all of this was politically difficult as Skymark held 36 precious slot-pairs at heavily-regulated Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] (AirAsia admits Skymark bid defeat, Japan unit delay to 2016.).

Meanwhile, its first aircraft, Airbus A320-216(SL) JA01DJ, which had arrived on October 18th (New AirAsia Japan receives first Airbus A320.), remained dormant at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG], as the airline still did not have a working maintenance team. The aircraft's battery died and its auxiliary power unit (APU) went out of order, and it was not able to have an engine run-up until early December. Training flights were expected by November, but that too has been pushed back to at least January. It is widely believed that its current April 2016 in-service target could be missed by several months. Sources close to the matter also point out that it has already used almost half of its initial 7 billion JPY capital, and cash injections are likely necessary as it takes delivery of its second A320 in February and more employees come on-line.

Can the ex-Skymark duo guide AirAsia Japan? They have wide and deep knowledge of the domestic market and expertise in running a low-cost operation in Japan's unique economic and regulatory environment, however, that said Skymark's success centered around its prized slots at Haneda while AirAsia Japan is based at Chubu Centrair, and Skymark has been a purely domestic carrier while AirAsia Japan plans to allocate at least 55% of its capacity to international. And there is reportedly already looming distrust between employees and the new management, and rumors point out Mr. Hata may be leaving the airline as well.

AirAsia Japan is a stepping stone for the AirAsia Group to expand its network to North America, and also has the potential to bring true (non-ANA/JAL) competition back to Japan. Hopes are still high AirAsia Japan would keep Mr. Fernandes' words, "This is Part 2 of AirAsia Japan's performance, and it will be the last. There won't be a third."

Source: Diamond Online, 2015 December 7th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 December 16th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 December 17th. (in Japanese)

Spring Airlines Japan granted approval to go international.

On December 16th, Spring Airlines Japan [IJ/SJO] announced that it had received approval from regulator Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to launch international routes, paving way to commence Wuhan [WUH/ZHHH] and Chongqing [CKG/ZUCK] from their Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] hub on February 13th and 14th, respectively (Spring Airlines Japan files for Chongqing and Wuhan.).

Leased from GECAS, Boeing 737-86N(WL) JA02GR is one of only three aircraft in Spring Japan's tiny fleet. Initial plans to expand its fleet to 20 by 2017 have been delayed indefinitely. (Photo: Spring Airlines Japan)

Wuhan will start with a three-times-weekly service, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, while Chongqing will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Both routes are timed to depart Narita in the morning for an afternoon arrival into the Chinese cities and an evening return to Japan. 189-seat Boeing 737-800s will be assigned. Tickets will go on sale at a later date not yet disclosed.

Flight Schedule:
Narita – Wuhan NEW 3 weekly with B737-800.
IJ1011 NRT 1020 – 1415 WUH 73H Mo/We/Sa *From Feb/13.
IJ1012 WUH 1515 – 1940 NRT 73H Mo/We/Sa *From Feb/13.

Narita – Chongqing NEW 4 weekly with B737-800.
IJ1021 NRT 0900 – 1415 CKG 73H Tu/Th/Fr/Su *From Feb/14.
IJ1022 CKG 1515 – 2025 NRT 73H Tu/Th/Fr/Su *From Feb/14.

Parent Spring Airlines [9C/CQH] already connects the two Chinese cities with Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB], while it also links Chongqing with Luoyang [LYA/ZHLY], Shanghai/Hongqiao [SHA/ZSSS], Shanghai/Pudong [PVG/ZSPD], Shenyang [SHE/ZYTX], Shenzhen [SZX/ZGSZ], and Shijiazhuang [SJW/ZBSJ]. It does not offer any domestic flights from Wuhan. Narita – Chongqing currently has Air China [CA/CCA] operating daily, while Narita – Wuhan sees a twice-weekly round-trip with China Southern Airlines [CZ/CSN] with All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] slated to enter with a daily service on April 28th, 2016.

Chairman Wang Wei had disclosed over a year ago that the two cities would be their first overseas destinations (Spring Japan considering Chongqing and Wuhan.). The Japanese affiliate of China's largest LCC only started flying in August 2014 with three routes from Narita (Spring Airlines Japan commences operations.). However, Takamatsu [TAK/RJOT] was suspended in October (Spring Airlines Japan to drop Takamatsu.), leaving the fledgling carrier with just twice-daily Hiroshima [HIJ/RJOA] and daily Saga [HSG/RJFS] round-trips. That said, Spring Japan is not envisioned to become a major domestic player, but a vehicle of the Spring Airlines Group to better access the China – Tokyo market as well as carry Chinese travelers visiting multiple cities in Japan.

Source: Spring Airlines Japan, 2015 December 16th. (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) 

AirAsia Japan CEO to quit, ex-Skymark executives coming.

New AirAsia Japan [DJ] has announced that effective December 1st, CEO Yoshinori Odagiri will resign and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Osamu Hata, formerly with Dell Japan, will be promoted to succeed the role. AirAsia Group has also confirmed that on the same date, ex-Skymark Airlines' [BC/SKY] executives will join the board, including former Chairman Takashi Ide and President Masakazu Arimori, both of whom stepped down from Japan's bankrupt third largest airline (Skymark to file for bankruptcy.) after a new management was installed by ANA Holdings, parent of All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA], and Integral Corporation (Skymark relaunched with ANA sponsorship.).

New AirAsia Japan's CEO Yoshinori Odagiri (center) poses in front of their maiden aircraft Airbus A320-216(SL) JA01DJ at Chubu Centrair after delivery on October 16th. Osamu Hata will be promoted to CEO while ex-Skymark Airlines Takashi Ide will play the representative role of Chairman. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

AirAsia Group started courting the duo not long after Skymark's board was revamped effective September 29th. They had maintained both official and personal relationships with AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, and at one time Mr. Ide even envisioned handing Skymark control to Asia's largest LCC group in the long term (ANA and AirAsia bid to save Skymark.). Mr. Ide will become Chairman and Mr. Arimori will become CFO, taking the place of Mr. Hata. The duo has wide and deep knowledge of the domestic market and expertise in running a low-cost operation in Japan's unique economic and regulatory environment. That said, Skymark's success centered around its 36 slot-pairs at regulated Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] while AirAsia Japan is based at Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG], and Skymark has been a purely domestic carrier while AirAsia Japan plans to allocate at least 55% of its capacity to international.

Mr. Odagiri, who also served as CEO with the first AirAsia Japan [JW/WAJ] (CoachFlyer JW8541: NRT - FUK on AirAsia Japan's Airbus A320.), will become Adviser. Although no reason has officially been given, the former ANA veteran is likely stepping down due to conflict of ideas within the board on how the new Japanese unit would be run. Having been founded in July 2014, Japan's fifth LCC has been set back with almost a year's delay in launching operations (AirAsia Japan is officially reborn; first flight June 2015.), largely due to shifting strategy to focus more on the international market rather than domestic, difficulties in recruiting pilots and setting up a maintenance scheme, and much-longer-than-anticipated preparation to apply for an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), which it obtained on October 6th (New AirAsia Japan receives AOC; takeoff in April 2016.).

In terms of voting rights, the new AirAsia Japan is owned by AirAsia Investment 33%, Rakuten 18%, Noevir Holdings 18%, Alpen 18%, and FinTech Global Trading 13%. Having received an AOC, it took delivery of its first Airbus A320 on October 9th (New AirAsia Japan receives first Airbus A320.) and revealed that operations would start in April 2016 from their Chubu Centrair hub to Sapporo/New Chitose [CTS/RJCC], Sendai [SDJ/RJSS] (New AirAsia Japan mulls Nagoya – Sendai.), and Taipei/Taoyuan [TPE/RCTP]. The original AirAsia Japan ceased operating in October 2013 after the Malaysian parent terminated the joint-venture (JV) with partner ANA due to managerial differences. It has since been relaunched as Vanilla Air [JW/VNL] under full ANA control (Vanilla Air launches operations.).

Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 November 27th. (in Japanese)
Source: Nikkei Shimbun, 2015 November 28th. (in Japanese)
Source: Asahi Shimbun, 2015 November 29th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 November 30th. (in Japanese)

*Edited/updated on November 30th.  

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)