Zipair: a defensive move by JAL as AirAsia X expands in Japan 

Japan Airlines' (JAL) subsidiary Zipair will become the thirteenth widebody LCC in Asia Pacific in 1H2020 and the first in Japan. Zipair will initially operate two routes within Asia, from Tokyo to Bangkok and Seoul, before expanding into the long haul market in 2021.

JAL is taking a relatively conservative approach with a five-year business plan that includes only two additional aircraft per year, resulting in 10 787s by the end of 2024. Zipair's first two 787s are -8s from JAL that will be converted in 2H2018 to a high density two class configuration.

Zipair and the AirAsia X Group will be the only all-widebody low cost operators in Asia Pacific. Feed is typically a crucial component of the long haul low cost market; AirAsia X relies on its sister short-haul airline group AirAsia and Zipair can use Jetstar Japan.

AirAsia X is now the largest airline group in Japan's emerging medium/long haul market, operating 10 routes. AirAsia X has ambitious plans for Japan, including several routes to the continental US, which JAL will likely try to combat using Zipair.