JETSTAR Japan is gearing up to launch its first flight on July 3, after it was given the green light by Japanese authorities.
The LCC received its air operator’s certificate from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport last week, signalling that its operations, from ground services to engineering to safety requirements, have fulfilled Japanese regulations.
The airline is on track to start flying five months ahead of schedule, according to Miyuki Suzuki, chief executive, Jetstar Japan. It also bests competitor AirAsia by a month, which is expected to commence operations in August.
Based in Tokyo (Narita), Jetstar Japan will fly to Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoko and Okinawa on a fleet of three new Airbus A320 planes. Tickets will go on sale soon, while proving flights are expected to be held during May. Jetstar Japan is a joint venture between Qantas, Japan Airlines, Mitsubishi Corp and Century Tokyo Leasing Corp.
In anticipation of low-cost aviation growth in Japan, Narita International Airport Corp has announced plans to build a budget terminal targeting LCCs by March 2015.
