It seems anywhere in the world, the drive to reduce costs is an important one – with Japan Airlines set to launch its own low-cost carrier – with eyes on the long haul international market.
Japan Airlines Boeing 787-8 at Boston Logan Airport. The new airline will use Boeing 787-8 aircraft in the first instance – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Japan Airlines currently works with Qantas with Jetstar Japan – which handles short-to-mid haul flights. The new LCC business will specifically feature international routes with medium to long-haul flights – and new options for passengers to travel/from Japan.
In its planning stage, the new carrier will operate out of Narita International Airport to destinations in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Two Boeing 787-8 aircraft will be assigned to the new carrier, with a commercial launch of Summer 2020 (and if their timing is right – in time for the Tokyo Olympics).
JAL will retain its investment and commitment in Jetstar – with this new airline being aimed at a different market.
The new company has no name yet, with the investment coming initially from JAL – but is opening the path to other investors to join in.
It’s an interesting move by Japan Airlines who have got long haul LCC competition – primarily in the form of Air Asia X (Thai and Indonesia), Scoot and Jetstar International.
It follows the LEVEL ideal of putting two frames out there, announce some routes, and see what happens.
The interesting thing to see will be the initial set of routes that are announced…
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