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Jetstar Japan has launched its inaugural service, flying a 180-seat Airbus A320 from Tokyo Narita to Sapporo on July 3.
The new low cost carrier is initially flying from Tokyo-Narita to Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa and Osaka and will later add flights from Osaka to Sapporo and Fukuoka.
“Jetstar has been operating international flights into Japan from Australia and Singapore for the past five years, so this domestic operation is starting from a position of strength when it comes to consumer recognition and trust,” said Jetstar Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka.
Shareholders in the airline include the Qantas Group, Japan Air Lines, Mitsubishi Corporation and Century Tokyo Leasing.
Jetstar Japan starts nearly five months ahead of its initial schedule, and less than one year since it was first announced.
Jetstar Japan is the second low cost carrier in the domestic Japanese market, with All Nippon Airlines affiliate Peach Aviation commencing services earlier this year. AirAsia Japan, which is a joint venture between AirAsia and ANA, is expected to make its first flight in August.
The Japanese operation now brings to five the number of carriers operating under the Jetstar Group, with the sixth, Jetstar Hong Kong, expected to launch in 2013.
