Skymark Airlines, Japan’s third largest flight operator has become the first Japanese carrier to operate the Airbus A330, after taking delivery of the first two wide-body aircraft that it currently has on lease.
The airline has configured the A330s with a single-class premium configuration, featuring 271 seats, that is similar to the premium economy offerings of competing carriers. It will begin scheduled flights in April 2014 from its base in Tokyo Haneda to Fukuoka, while also extending its services to Sapporo and Naha at a later date.
Skymark Airlines new A330
Skymark offers a unique all-premium service, meaning that it does not feature an economy class offering to customers. Instead, the carrier maintains only business and premium economy cabins. The carrier made history in 2010, when it became the first Japanese carrier to order four Airbus A380 superjumbos, each featuring a two-class premium configuration – 114 in business and 280 in premium economy. Once delivered, Skymark intends to deploy the aircraft on long-haul services to destinations such as London, Paris and New York.
Shinichi Nishikubo, president of Skymark Airlines, said: “We are confident that with these cost-efficient, reliable A330-300s in our fleet, we will grow our business and win market share by attracting passengers who demand only the highest levels of comfort. Together with our A380s to come, we confirm Skymark’s intention to remain at the forefront of our market, having one of Japan’s youngest, most modern fuel-efficient fleets.”
For more information, visit www.skymark.co.jp/en/
Clement Huang
