Jetstar Japan launches operations with four domestic routes

Route of the Week:
Jetstar Japan’s launch

Passengers on Jetstar Japan’s first flight, leaving Tokyo Narita for Sapporo Chitose, were presented with mascot souvenirs by Qantas’ CEO Alan Joyce; Jetstar Group’s CEO Jayne Hrdlicka; and Jetstar Japan’s CEO Miyuki Suzuki.

• Jetstar Japan is the latest international joint venture set up by Qantas of Australia. In the first week of operations, the 180-seat A320 operator has launched four domestic Japanese routes out of its base at Tokyo Narita (NRT). The low-cost airline faces direct competition on all but one route; however, the Tokyo-Osaka journey is under competition from high-speed rail. Qantas Group’s CEO Alan Joyce, who travelled on the first flight, said: “We’re pleased to be starting services five months ahead of schedule and less than 12 months after the airline was first announced, made possible with support from our partners Japan Airlines, Mitsubishi Corporation and Century Tokyo Leasing.” For more details, see this week’s analysis of Japan’s low-cost airlines.