AirAsia and ANA join forces to create Tokyo Narita-based LCC

AirAsia and All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced on 21-Jul-2011 plans to form a JV LCC in Japan to be called AirAsia Japan Co. The carriers expect the JV airline, which will be the first LCC to be based at Tokyo Narita International Airport, to commence operations in Aug-2012, subject to regulatory approvals. AirAsia Japan will be AirAsia's first venture outside Southeast Asia. ANA also plans to launch a Kansai-based LCC in early 2012, Peach, while there have been reports that a JAL-Jetstar LCC JV announcement is imminent.