Jetstar Japan prepares for take off with AOC lodgement
21-Dec-2011 Jetstar's famous low domestic fares are one step closer for Japanese customers with the airline lodging its Air Operators Certificate application in Toyko today.
The AOC application, made to the Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, 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 fly from Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka (Kansai International) and is in active discussions with airports in Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Okinawa. In addition, Jetstar has commenced planning for international short haul flying to potential destinations in China and South Korea.
The final list of destinations will be announced once discussions with airports are completed and plans demonstrating the successful deployment of on-ground handling requirements of the Jetstar model are agreed.
Attending the AOC lodgement announcement today were Jetstar Group CEO Mr Bruce Buchanan, Jetstar Japan Representative Director and CEO Ms Miyuki Suzuki and newly-appointed Chairman of Jetstar Japan, Mr Shinji Fukukawa.
Mr Fukukawa has spent the majority of his 50 year career in a variety of management positions with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry and also held Director positions within Kobe Steel. He is currently the Chairman of the Machine Industry Memorial Foundation.
"I am honoured to be named Chairman of Jetstar Japan, which is bringing fresh investment and stimulating new demand for domestic travel," said Mr Fukukawa.
Jetstar Group CEO Bruce Buchanan said the depth of the experience in the leadership team gave the new airline strong foundations to deliver Jetstar's successful low fares model.
"Jetstar Japan is taking shape with a formidable formula. We're combining our low fares know-how, trusted brand and a respected leadership team to deliver a fantastic product to Japanese travellers," said Mr Buchanan.
Jetstar Japan Representative Director and CEO Ms Miyuki Suzuki said discussions with airports and local governments, particularly in regional areas, were progressing very well.
"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," Ms Suzuki said.
"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."
Ms Suzuki said that the response to Jetstar since its announcement in August had been very welcoming, particularly for the airline's price beat guarantee.
"This guarantee means we won't be beaten on price in what will be a very competitive market, and it is one of the ways we intend to be Japan's number one LCC."
Under the guarantee, Jetstar will beat any competitor's fare for flights on the same route at a comparable time and with comparable conditions by 10 percent at the time of booking.
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 more than 7,000 expressions of interest for 450 cabin crew roles.