ANA Group announces route network and corporate plan for FY2011

ANA Group announced (18-Jan-2011) details of its route network and corporate plan for the financial year commencing on 01-Apr-2011 as follows - see Route Changes Table for more information:

• Fleet: Preparations are underway for the commencement of flights using the B787, expected to be delivered during 3Q2011. Until then, more B767-300ERs will be added on international routes, and B737-800 on domestic routes. The carrier stated "work is being done to secure production volume to meet the recent increase in demand". ANA will also proceed with replacement of older aircraft, beginning with the retirement of the B767-300 on domestic routes. Retirement of the DHC8-Q300 will also commence and a gradual consolidation of aircraft to the DHC8-Q400 model will be implemented for propeller aircraft. The carrier plans to receive nine new aircraft in 2011 (four B767-300ERs, two B737-800s and three DHC8-A400s) in addition to the B787 deliveries and retire nine aircraft (one B767-300, four A320-200s, two B757-500s and two DHC8-Q300s);
• Capacity plans: The carrier plans to increase capacity (ASKs/FTKs) in FY2011 compared with FY2010 by 17.4% for international services, 2.6% for domestic and 2.6% for freight. In terms of the number of flights, international flights will increase by 16.3% and domestic by 2.0% while cargo will decline by 1.2%%;
• International operations:

• Launch of Tokyo Narita-Chengdu route: ANA plans to launch Tokyo Narita-Chengdu service in Jun-2011 marking the first service to an inland destination in China. ANA operates regular scheduled passenger services to nine cities and 10 airports in China, all of which are coastal destinations.
• Strengthening routes to China and Asia: ANA also plans to increase frequency on its Haneda-Beijing and Haneda-Shanghai routes after the aviation agreement between Japan and China concludes. Introduction of additional B767-300ER aircraft will see the introduction of a larger aircraft on Narita-Beijing and Narita-Taipei Taoyuan services;
• Strengthened product: ANA will continue to roll out cabin improvements in its fleet of B777-300ERs, installing ANA staggered seats in business class and fixed-back shell seats in economy. The carrier will also expand the number of routes featuring these products. The introduction of additional newly designed B767-300ER aircraft, equipped with the ANA Business Cradle in business class and fixed-back shell seats in economy will also offer improved product, primarily on Southeast Asian routes;
• Launch of trans-Pacific JV with United Airlines and Continental Airlines: ANA Group will commence its JV with United Airlines and Continental Airlines on trans-Pacific routes on 01-Apr-2011. Implementation of the JV will call for integration of the airlines' domestic and international networks, along with common fares, and adjustments to their respective timetables with the agreement also covering frequent flyer programme reciprocity. The agreement covers ANA services from Tokyo Narita to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York JFK, Washington DC and Honolulu and from Tokyo Haneda to Los Angeles and Honolulu. United/Continental services covered include services from Tokyo Narita to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Washington DC, Honolulu, New York Newark and Houston, from Kansai to Houston and San Francisco, from Hong Kong to Chicago, San Francisco and New York Newark and from Seoul Incheon to San Francisco. Onward segments are also included, covering ANA domestic and Asian routes and United/Continental domestic, Central/South American, Caribbean and Asian routes (exc China);

• Domestic operations:
  • Routes at Tokyo Haneda: ANA expects additional slots - with the introduction of Haneda's fourth runway, together with provisional slots given until the Japan/China aviation agreement (subject to change) concludes - will enable the carrier to increase seven routes to/from Haneda Airport. In particular for Haneda-Itami routes, it is planned that the early morning flights will be increased by utilising aircraft stationed overnight at the airport;
  • Routes at Osaka (Itami, Kansai), Chubu and other airports: ANA will maintain the increased level of frequencies implemented in FY2010. Other plans include increased services to/from Osaka (Itami, Kansai) and Chubu, extended periods of seasonal service and the resumption of Matsuyama-Chitose route which will increase its frequency to compete with the Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen service. From Jun-2011, ANA will implement a new strategy to meet the seasonal fluctuations in demand, through optimising flight frequencies and choosing appropriate type of aircraft;
• Cargo services: As in FY2010, ANA will continue to improve the profitability of its late-night cargo hub in Okinawa for its freighter service, and increase day routes to China and Asia. ANA will also increase cargo capacity on passenger services by operating more flights using larger aircraft with greater space in their cargo bellies. [more]

ANA Group: "Following the expansion of capacity at Tokyo airports in FY2010, ANA has worked to establish new destinations and increase flights on existing routes. A further increase in runway slots is planned in the medium term, and this represents an opportunity for ANA Group to expand operations in what is becoming an intensely competitive business environment. In addition, the airline industry generally is facing more competition from other modes of transport, for example the opening of full Shinkansen bullet train services to Kyushu. In this environment, ANA plans to optimise its fleet and increase the efficiency of its operations further, to ensure stable positive cash flow and increased profits. At the same time, ANA will work to improve passenger service and choice by launching its joint business venture with United Airlines and Continental Airlines," Company Statement, 18-Jan-2011.