Spring Airlines Japan files application to commence domestic operations in May-2014

Spring Airlines Japan announced (05-Sep-2013) it has submitted an application with Japan MLITT to operate daily from Tokyo Narita to Saga, Takamatsu and Hiroshima from the end of May-2013, served with 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Spring Airlines Japan president Hiroshi Ugai, as reported by local media sources such as Travel Vision, Nikkei, Sankei and Aviation Wire, said these destinations are important to network construction, adding he believes the three destinations are the best choices at present with their attractive tourism resources and accessibility. Mr Hiroshi also noted that despite the limited capacity at Tokyo Narita, the carrier wanted to take advantage of a large market in the metropolitan area. The carrier also said it is targeting mainly leisure passengers from Japan and China on the proposed routes, adding it hopes to be a bridge China and Japan. Spring Airlines currently operates from Shanghai Pudong to Takamatsu, Ibaraki and Saga with the carrier noting that it Spring Airlines would not withdraw from its Shanghai Pudong-Ibaraki service. Spring Airlines Japan was established on 07-Sep-2012 with JPY1500 capital, which it plans to increase to JPY6000 million when it receives approval to commence operations. Spring Airlines holds a 33% shareholding in the carrier with the remaining 67% held by 10 Japanese investors including IT companies and financial institutions. Spring Airlines Japan chairman Wang Wei also commented that the carrier has not decided on fare levels but it will take into account the current level of LCC competition in Japan's domestic market. Airline president Hiroshi Ugai added "we will work to cut unnecessary costs to offer low fares." [more - original PR - Japanese]