Jetstar Japan has received its final regulatory approval, clearing the way for the budget carrier to begin flights in July, well ahead of its original schedule.
The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport issued the airline with its Air Operators Certificate on Friday. Jetstar said it would begin proving flights next month, with commercial flights scheduled to begin on July 3.
“This approval means we’re on track to start flying five months ahead of schedule,” Jetstar Japan CEO Miyuki Suzuki said. “Travellers can be confident that as well as our operational strengths around safety and service, Jetstar will offer the best fares.”
A joint venture between Qantas, Japan Airlines and Mitsubishi, Jetstar Japan is targeting revenues of $1 billion within two years. The carrier will start operations with a fleet of three Airbus A320s and plans to expand to 24 aircraft within a few years. Initial routes will connect its Tokyo Narita base with Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa.
