AirAsia Japan to launch Tokyo Narita-Seoul Incheon on 28-Oct-2012, Busan service in late Nov-2012

AirAsia Japan CEO Kazuyuki Iwakata announced the carrier will commence international operations with non-stop Tokyo Narita-Seoul Incheon service on 28-Oct-2012 followed by Tokyo Narita-Busan service in late Nov-2012 (Nikkei, 10-Oct-2012). Mr Iwakata stated fares on Tokyo Narita-Seoul Incheon service, which will open at 23:00 on 10-Oct-2012, will range between JPY6980 (USD89.5) and JPY29,980 (USD384.4) and will be less than half of those currently offered on the sector. Fares and details of proposed Tokyo Narita-Busan service will be announced on 11-Oct-2012. The carrier is targeting load factor of 80% for international services, the same target as for domestic operations, adding the carrier would like to continue to expand its international business while maintaining a balance between domestic and international operations. Mr Iwakata also confirmed the carrier plans to operate 30 A320 aircraft over the next five years adding it may also revise upwardly its forecast of one million passenger during the first year and 10 million passengers after five years of operations.