Japan Airlines (JAL) today announced that plans to establish a new low cost carrier subsidiary called TBA.
With Narita Airport as its main hub, the new low cost airline 100% owned by JAL is expected to be established by July 2018.
The company will be a consolidated subsidiary of the JAL Group and plans to operate flights from Narita International Airport to select destinations in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
In the first stages of operations the carrier will operate two Boeing 787-8 aircraft and is targeting to launch commercial flights from Summer 2020 when Narita Airport plans to complete the upgrade of facilities.
The new low cost carrier will complement the international short haul and domestic routes now operated by Jetstar Japan.
To date, JAL has remained committed to refine its own full service carrier model while making key investments into Jetstar Japan.
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.
The establishment of TBA is framed into JAL’s FY2017-2020 JAL Group Medium Term Management Plan, the company looks to develop and cultivate new business opportunities. The new LCC business will specifically feature international routes with medium to long-haul flights and will aim to provide customers with new options when traveling to/from Japan.
TBA is part of JAL`s `10 Year Grand Design` strategy where the company will accelerate growth through innovation, while contributing toward the country`s target to welcome new inbound visitors in the next 3 years and beyond.
JAL will inform on the management team and head of the new company as soon as TBA is established.
To date Japan Airlines operates 571 routesm and 143 domestic routes in a total of 56 countries and 344 airports.
Image over the headline.- © JAL.
