Budget AirAsia Japan launched (See July 15 post)

Posted by- Neleam Mathews
July 21, 2011

ANA Group, Japan’s largest airline, and AirAsia, are teaming up to form AirAsia Japan, a new budget carrier.

AirAsia Japan will be the first low-cost carrier to be based at Narita International Airport. Operating under the AirAsia brand, it is to serve both domestic and international destinations when starting operations in August 2012, subject to  relevant approvals.

In Japan, the aviation market is undergoing rapid transformation with developments including the expansion of Open Skies agreements and increased domestic competition from road and rail-based travel. In addition, Narita airport, a major international hub serving Tokyo, is seeking to increase capacity with the introduction of a new terminal and is expected to attract many low-cost carriers and foreign airlines, says a statement.

ANA has been seeking opportunities to launch a new low-cost business based at Narita and, after analysis, has concluded that partnering with an existing low-cost carrier is the most efficient and strategically advantageous option.

AirAsia has been seeking a business partner with strong Japanese market influence to further expand its scope, as well as contribute to strengthening bilateral ties between ASEAN and Japan.