AirAsia and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have obtained an Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau for the formation of a low-cost carrier joint venture: AirAsia Japan.
According to a statement from AirAsia “the AOC shall enable AirAsia Japan to operate aircraft for commercial flights to international and domestic destinations” from its base at Narita airport.
Although the group is aiming to launch flights by August this year, the confirmed date has yet to be released, which could vary due to availability of aircraft.
This joint venture, the first of its kind for AirAsia outside of southeast Asia, was announced last year (see story here) reflecting a growing trend for low-cost carriers in Japan, a previously untapped market for budget carriers.
Also on the horizon is the launch of ANA’s own low-cost subsidiary, Peach Aviation, which will begin services in March this year (see story here) and Japan Airlines’ partnership with Qantas for the creation of Jetstar Japan (see story here).
For more information, visit www.airasia.com or www.ana.co.jp
Alisha Haridasani
