Japan Airlines today confirmed plans to create an international budget carrier.
The as yet un-named offshoot will operate from Tokyo’s Narita international airport to destinations in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
The carrier plans to operate two Boeing 787-8s from summer 2020 when Narita airport plans to complete enhancements to its facilities as Tokyo hosts the Olympic Games.
Jal has previously been committed to refining its own full-service carrier model while making key investments into low-fares airline Jetstar Japan, established six years ago with Qantas.
However, plans for the low-cost start-up are part of a ten-year strategy designed to accelerate growth and attract more tourists to Japan in the next three years and beyond.
Jal will be looking for new investors to support the launch of the low-fare subsidiary.
“The new low-cost carrier will specifically feature international routes with medium to long-haul flights and will aim to provide customers with new options when travelling to/from Japan,“ the airline said.
“When Jal establishes the new LCC business, the company aims to create new demand, working along with the successful services provided by Jetstar Japan, which features domestic and short-haul international flights.
“Through these actions, the company will take on the challenge to deliver and meet the needs of diversified customer groups around the world.”