Jetstar Japan has become the largest low-cost carrier in the country and the largest operating from Tokyo Narita Airport. The milestone was announced as the airline celebrates its first full year of operations.
In the last 12 months the airline has carried more than 1.6 million passengers on a fleet that has grown from two to now 12 A320s.
The Jetstar Group has successfully leveraged its international network connections to bolster the Japan operation’s position in the market. Airlines within the Jetstar Group operate from Cairns, Gold Coast, Singapore, Taipei and Manila to Japan. Jetstar has also announced a codeshare deal with Japan Jetstar investor partner JAL.
“One of the Group’s strengths and key advantages is our ability to grow our domestic networks by leveraging connectivity between Jetstar branded airlines, codeshare agreements and interline partnerships with other carriers,” Jetstar Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said.
“The speed of the growth of the LCC market in Japan is remarkable and I have no doubt that our proven model, now operating in 16 countries across the Asia Pacific region, has played a leadership role in this travel revolution.”
During 2012, three low-cost airlines launched domestic services in Japan including Jetstar Japan. Jetstar was also the first low-cost carrier to fly international services to Japan when it began services to Osaka in 2007.
“Six years ago, many industry commentators said the Japanese consumer would struggle to accept the LCC model and since then the Japanese consumer has spoken. Japanese consumers like low fares and want greater access to travel too,” Hrdlicka said.
Domestic air travel in Japan has long been regarded as one of the most expensive travel markets in the world. Jetstar Japan has carried almost 500,000 passengers for less than $55 and over half of all fares for less than $88, the airline said.
