Jetstar Japan lodges AOC; appoints chairman

Jetstar Japan stated it lodged its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) application in Toyko on 21-Dec-2011. The AOC application, made to the Civil Aviation Bureau of the MLIT, is a key milestone for the carrier ahead of the start of its domestic operations by the end of 2012. Pending regulatory approval, Jetstar Japan expects to operate from Tokyo Narita and Osaka Kansai and is in "active discussions" with airports in Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa. In addition, Jetstar has commenced planning for international short-haul operations to potential destinations in China and South Korea. Jetstar Japan representative director and CEO Miyuki Suzuki said discussions with airports and local governments, particularly in regional areas, were progressing "very well". The carrier also confirmed the appointment of Shinji Fukukawa as chairman of the carrier. Other recent Jetstar Japan milestones include the call for up to 100 pilots to join the airline over the next 12-18 months and up to more than 7000 EoIs for 450 cabin crew roles. [more - original PR]

Jetstar Japan: "LCCs like Jetstar have distinct needs in terms of ground handling compared with full service airlines in order to deliver fares that are on average 40 to 50 per cent lower. Key differences are dual door boarding, self-service check-in facilities and industry-leading turnaround times between landing and take-off. Discussions on our ground handling needs are progressing well with airports, as they recognise the benefits of increased passenger traffic and local spending that LCCs bring," Miyuki Suzuki, representative director and CEO. Source: Company statement, 22-Dec-2011.