All Nippon Airways (ANA) unveiled its corporate plan for the year that includes substantial changes to network operations and a joint-venture agreement with United Airlines and Continental Airlines.
To strengthen presence in China and meet growing demand, ANA will launch daily flights between Narita and Chengdu – its ninth Chinese destination – on June 19, using a dual-class Boeing B737-700ER.
The carrier will also increase capacity and frequencies on certain mainland routes. Haneda-Beijing and Haneda-Shanghai will go from daily to double daily although start up dates are awaiting approval from authorities. From March 27, the Narita-Shenyang service rises from three times a week to seven times a week using the bigger B737-700 instead of the Airbus A320-200.
Larger aircraft will also be used on other routes to increase passenger capacity. From March 27, the B767-300ER will be found on the double Narita-Beijing route in addition to the A320-200. The carrier will alternate between the two aircraft on a seven times per week basis. From May 1, the B767-300ER will also be used on the Narita-Taipei route.
ANA also announced the kick off of joint-venture services on transpacific routes from April 1, coinciding with a similar JAL-American Airlines team up. The initiatives are a result of the anti-trust immunity and Open Skies agreement signed by Japanese and US authorities last year (see story here). This introduces several codeshare flights, therefore broadening airline networks and will see the carriers adjust their timetables to facilitate seamless connection and shorter waiting times. It also integrates mileage schemes.
For more information, visit www.ana.co.jp
Alisha Haridasani
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