The Qantas Group, Japan Airlines (JAL) and Mitsubishi Corporation announced the launch of Jetstar Japan – a new domestic airline that will bring more low airfares to customers in Japan. The Qantas Group, JAL and Mitsubishi Corporation will each hold 1/3 share in the new company (voting-rights-basis). Jetstar Japan will commence domestic operations by the end of 2012 and expects to fly from Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka (Kansai International), with other destinations under consideration including Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Okinawa. Jetstar Japan also plans to ultimately offer short haul international services to key Asian cities making travel more accessible and appealing to millions more people. The airline will launch with an initial fleet of three new Airbus A320 aircraft, configured for 180 customers in a single class, growing to 24 aircraft within its first few years. Total capitalization commitment for the new airline is up to JPY 12 billion.
Jetstar Japan was officially launched in Tokyo on August 16th by the President of Japan Airlines, Mr. Masaru Onishi, Executive Vice President & Group CEO, Industrial Finance, Logistics & Development Group Mitsubishi Corporation, Mr. Hideshi Takeuchi, and Jetstar Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bruce Buchanan.