There are currently three LCCs that belong to or are associated with the JAL Group. These are the newly added SPRING JAPAN, Jetstar Japan, and ZIPAIR. LCC stands for low-cost carrier, and refers to airlines that offer air travel at affordable prices. LCCs that belong to or are associated with the JAL Group offer unique services and flights that are different from JAL, while also maintaining the "JAL-ness" that characterizes them.
A new LCC aiming to be a bridge between Japan and China
SPRING JAPAN
SPRING JAPAN is a Japanese airline that operates domestic and international flights. Its domestic route network consists of three routes connecting Narita with New Chitose, Hiroshima, and Saga, but its biggest feature is that it flies to various cities in China. It also operates seven international routes connecting Chongqing, Wuhan, Tianjin, Harbin, Ningbo, Nanjing, and Shanghai.
In terms of service, we offer low fares and at the same time, we also make various efforts to provide our customers with a satisfying air journey all the way to their destination. For example, we offer SPRING JAPAN's original "relaxation exercises" on board to prevent economy class syndrome, which have been well received.
In addition, in terms of "JAL identity," we outsource maintenance to JAL Engineering to ensure a high level of safety. We also introduce the "JAL Philosophy," which has already been adopted by the JAL Group and is formulated as the values and way of thinking that employees should have, into our in-house training. This allows us to provide the best service to our customers with a sense of unity as the JAL Group.
The goal of SPRING JAPAN is to act as a bridge between Japan and China, contributing to private exchanges and regional revitalization. To that end, we are considering further expanding our network.
A wide route network centered around Narita
Jetstar Japan
Jetstar Japan, established in September 2011, is the oldest LCC in the JAL Group, and is currently funded by three companies: JAL, Qantas Group, and Tokyo Century. Aiming to be the price leader in the industry, Jetstar Japan is characterized by offering affordable fares. Jetstar Japan makes air travel more accessible by offering a "Lowest Price Guarantee" system that offers 10% off other airlines' fares, a "Price Watch" system that notifies you when the fare for your desired flight drops, and special sales and campaigns.
International flights (currently suspended) connect 4 cities and 6 routes, forming a network with neighboring cities in Asia. Domestic flights connecting 15 cities and 17 routes mainly operate to Hokkaido, Chubu, Kansai, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa, and as of the end of November 2021, the airline has offered an average of approximately 1,800 flights (more than 60 flights per day) in the past three months.
Like SPRING JAPAN, we outsource our ground handling services to the JAL Group, and we have achieved high operational quality in terms of safety and punctuality. In addition, by providing thorough customer service and support, we have built a high-quality service system that distinguishes us from the image of LCCs as being "price-matching." We are well-received as an airline that offers an excellent balance between cost performance and service.
Another feature is that it is a very popular LCC in the Tokyo metropolitan area of Japan. It was born as the first LCC in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and operates the most domestic flights to and from Narita of any airline. Other reasons for this include the fact that it has introduced low fares and highly convenient customer service throughout the group while making full use of IT technology to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. In the future, by increasing collaboration with the JAL Group, we hope to provide services that will be chosen by more customers and become an LCC that is even more loved.
"NEW BASIC AIRLINE" - a new air option
ZIPAIR
The last airline we will introduce is ZIPAIR, which may be a unique LCC in the world. In fact, it is neither an LCC nor a full-service carrier, but aims to be a "NEW BASIC AIRLINE" that sets new standards.
The airline has introduced the latest aircraft, the Boeing 787, which is also used by JAL, and in business class, it has fully flat seats with a 180-degree reclining function and a design that emphasizes privacy. In addition, two classes are available: a standard class with 79 cm of front-to-back space and 43 cm of seat width, which are used by many full-service carriers, making the seats comfortable even on long flights. In addition, in-flight Wi-Fi is available for free internet service, and a self-order service allows customers to purchase in-flight items such as snacks from their own devices at their own convenience without having to call a flight attendant.
All routes are international flights from Narita, with Seoul (3 round trips per week), Bangkok (7 round trips per week), Singapore (3 round trips per week), Honolulu (3 round trips per week), and Los Angeles (3 round trips per week). Of course, we follow the JAL Group's safety standards to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience. (As of December 2021)
JAL Group's LCCs are different from the conventional image
Until now, LCCs may have had the image of simple services that are commensurate with the price. However, the JAL Group is trying to overturn this preconception by introducing its own unique services while continuing to refine comfort and safety. The JAL Group's ideal is to provide not only a full-service carrier like JAL, but also a variety of options so that all customers can choose the best air transportation method to match their needs.
If you're flying for the first time in a while, try a different airline than usual. If you choose an LCC that is part of the JAL group or is related to JAL, you're sure to enjoy your short flight.
We'll take you behind the scenes of JAL's work, including inside stories on the introduction of the A350 and the development of in-flight meal menus.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
