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Zipair Tokyo

This article is about the present-day Japanese low-cost airline. For the defunct Canadian discount airline, see Zip (airline).

Zipair Tokyo Inc.
株式会社 Zipair Tokyo
Kabushiki-gaisha Jippu-ea Tōkyō
IATA ICAO Call sign
ZG TZP ZIPPY
FoundedJuly 31, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-07-31)[1]
Commenced operationsJune 3, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-06-03)
Operating basesNarita International Airport
Frequent-flyer programZipair Point Club
Fleet size8
Destinations10
Parent companyJapan Airlines
HeadquartersNarita, Chiba, Japan[1]
Key peopleHiroo Iwakoshi (Chairman)
Shingo Nishida (President & CEO)[1]
Employees736 (April 2024)[1]
Websitewww.zipair.net

Zipair, legally Zipair Tokyo Inc. (株式会社 Zipair Tokyo, Kabushiki-gaisha Jippu-ea Tōkyō, styled ZIPAIR Tokyo), is a Japanese low-cost airline headquartered on the grounds of Narita International Airport in Narita, Chiba Prefecture.[2][3] Initially founded in 2018, the airline is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan Airlines, from which it leases some of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.[4][5] Operations launched on June 3, 2020, as a cargo-only airline due to restrictions on passenger traffic related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and passenger operations launched on October 16, 2020.[6][7]

History

Japan Airlines (JAL) announced in May 2018 that it planned to launch a new international low-cost carrier during mid-2020, which was to compete with other Asian carriers attempting to expand into the Japanese market, such as AirAsia X.[8] JAL established a wholly owned subsidiary for preparing the business, legally incorporated as T.B.L. Co., Ltd. (株式会社ティー・ビー・エル, Kabushiki-gaisha Tī Bī Eru, standing for "To Be Launched"), in July that year.[4][9][10] It was estimated that the airline would commence operation in time for the 2020 Summer Olympics.[11]

In March 2019, the brand of the new carrier was named Zipair, referencing the words "Zip", which represents speed, and "ZIP Code".[2][12] Subsequently, T.B.L. was renamed "Zipair Tokyo Inc."[2] Zipair's planned operations consisted of international flights from Narita International Airport to Bangkok and Seoul, launching on May 14 and July 1, 2020, respectively with Boeing 787-8 aircraft transferred from JAL.[2][3][5][13] The airline planned to launch additional destinations in Asia, while flights to the United States were planned to be added by 2021.[5][14][15][16]

In early 2020, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation disrupted Zipair's plans for its launch of operations, with Thailand banning all incoming passenger flights from April 4, 2020,[17] and the Japanese government introducing strict border enforcement measures.[18] Under these circumstances, Zipair announced on April 9, 2020, that its launch of service would be postponed until further notice,[19] although later that month the airline applied with the U.S. Department of Transportation for the operation of a route to Honolulu to begin on October 25, 2020.[20] On May 21, 2020, it was announced that the airline had submitted an application to the Japanese authority for the launch of cargo flights between Tokyo and Bangkok to meet the needs for air cargo during the suspension of passenger flights.[6] Zipair proceeded to launch services on June 3, 2020, initially as a cargo airline, with its fleet of Boeing 787-8 aircraft.[6][21][22]

Following its launch as a cargo-only airline, Zipair inaugurated its passenger services on October 16, 2020.[7] The following month, on November 20, 2020, the airline announced the details of its first route to the United States, with flights between Tokyo Narita and Honolulu launching on December 19, 2020.[23] On July 20, 2021, the airline announced a new service between Tokyo Narita and Singapore, with flights launching on September 7, 2021.[24] On October 28, 2021, the airline added a third aircraft to its fleet with a Boeing 787-8 transferred from JAL.[25][26] On November 12, 2021, the airline announced a new service between Tokyo Narita and Los Angeles International Airport to begin on December 25, 2021.[27]

Zipair's previous livery included a large letter Z on the tailfin.

In June 2022, Zipair announced that the large letter Z on the tailfin of its livery would be replaced with a green geometric pattern to avoid misunderstandings, as the letter has been used as a military symbol by the Russian Armed Forces during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.[28] Also in June 2022, the airline announced a new service between Tokyo Narita and San Jose International Airport to launch during December 2022,[29] before subsequently specifying December 12, 2022 as the launch date for the service.[30]

On February 21, 2023, Zipair announced plans to begin services to San Francisco and Manila during the year, as well as to increase its fleet to seven aircraft.[31] It later announced on April 6, 2023, that it would begin service to San Francisco International Airport on June 2, 2023.[32] Details of its Manila service were revealed on April 28, 2023, with flights to Ninoy Aquino International Airport beginning on July 1, 2023.[33] On November 8, 2023, the airline announced plans to add an eighth aircraft in January 2024, and to launch a new service to Vancouver in March 2024,[34] later specifying March 13, 2024 as the launch date of the service.[35] On October 9, 2024, the airline announced the launch of flights to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport to begin on March 4, 2025.[36]

Destinations

As of October 2024, Zipair flies to the following destinations:[37]

Country City Airport Start date End date Notes Ref
Canada Vancouver Vancouver International Airport March 13, 2024 Present [35]
Japan Tokyo Narita International Airport June 3, 2020 Present Base [3]
Philippines Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport July 1, 2023 Present [33]
Singapore Singapore Changi Airport September 7, 2021 Present [24]
South Korea Seoul Incheon International Airport September 12, 2020 Present [3][38]
Thailand Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport June 3, 2020 Present [3]
United States Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport December 19, 2020 Present [23]
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport March 4, 2025 — Future [36]
Los Angeles Los Angeles International Airport December 25, 2021 Present [27]
San Francisco San Francisco International Airport June 2, 2023 Present [32]
San Jose San Jose International Airport December 12, 2022 Present Seasonal [30]

Fleet

Zipair Boeing 787-8

As of January 2024, Zipair operates the following aircraft:[39]

Zipair fleet
Aircraft In
service 		Orders Passengers Notes
J Y Total
Boeing 787-8 8 2 18 272 290 Six leased from Japan Airlines.[31]

Service concept

Zipair Boeing 787-8 economy class cabin

Zipair operates two cabins and classes of service on its aircraft, consisting of a premium cabin with 18 Zip Full-Flat seats arranged in a 1–2–1 configuration, and an economy class cabin with 272 Standard seats in a 3–3–3 configuration, in contrast to parent company JAL which arranges its Boeing 787 economy class seats in a 2–4–2 configuration.[40] As a low-cost carrier, Zipair imposes fees for extra services such as additional baggage allowances, and a buy on board service for in-flight catering, amenities, and goods, even for passengers traveling in its premium cabin. The airline also provides streamable in-flight entertainment to personal devices, and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Company". Zipair. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d "Japan's First Medium to Long-Haul Low-Cost Carrier "Zipair Tokyo" Now Established!" (Press release). Japan Airlines. March 8, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d e "『Zipair』成田空港第１ターミナル北ウイングの使用を決定" ["Zipair" Narita Airport Terminal 1 North Wing to be used] (Press release) (in Japanese). Zipair Tokyo. August 1, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  4. ^ a b "JAL Establishes Preparatory Company for New LCC Business" (Press release). Japan Airlines. July 31, 2018. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c Yoshikawa, Tadayuki (December 18, 2019). "Zipair、787の機内お披露目 上級席はフルフラット、全席モニターなしで軽量化" [In-flight announcement of Zipair, 787 Advanced seats are full flat, all seats are lightweight without monitors]. Aviation Wire (in Japanese). Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  6. ^ a b c "Zipair Plan to Launch Cargo Flights to Bangkok" (Press release). Zipair Tokyo. May 21, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  7. ^ a b Casey, David (October 9, 2020). "Zipair Tokyo set for inaugural passenger flights". Routesonline. Informa Markets. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  8. ^ "Zipair: a defensive move by JAL as AirAsia X expands in Japan". Centre for Aviation. Archived from the original on March 21, 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  9. ^ "Establishment of a New International Low-Cost Carrier Business" (Press release). Japan Airlines. May 14, 2018. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  10. ^ Kohase, Yusuke (July 31, 2018). "JAL、LCC準備会社「TBL」設立 募集は秋から" [Established JAL and LCC preparation company "TBL"]. Aviation Wire (in Japanese). Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  11. ^ "Japan Airlines New LCC To Be Called Zipair Tokyo". Australia Aviation. March 11, 2019.
  12. ^ "Japan Airlines to launch Zipair Tokyo low-cost long-haul carrier". The Jakarta Post. March 13, 2019. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  13. ^ Casey, David (July 9, 2019). "Zipair Tokyo on track for 2020 launch". Routesonline. Informa Markets. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  14. ^ "JAL names new LCC Zipair Tokyo". FlightGlobal. DVV Media Group. March 8, 2019. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  15. ^ Yoshikawa, Tadayuki (November 20, 2019). "JAL、成田国際線を20年度3-5路線拡充 Zipair も活用" [JAL and Narita International flights expanded 3-5 routes in FY2020, also utilizing Zipair]. Aviation Wire (in Japanese). Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  16. ^ Yoshikawa, Tadayuki (December 19, 2019). "Zipair、ハワイも有力 西田社長「マーケット大きい」" [Zipair, Hawaii is also influential President Nishida "Big market"]. Aviation Wire (in Japanese). Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  17. ^ "Thailand suspends incoming flights". Bangkok Post. April 4, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  18. ^ "Information related to New Coronavirus Infection(COVID-19) from Immigration Services Agency". Ministry of Justice. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  19. ^ "Zipair Postpones Launch of Service to Bangkok" (Press release). Zipair Tokyo. April 9, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  20. ^ Yoshikawa, Tadayuki (April 22, 2020). "Zipair、ハワイ就航へ 米運輸省に申請、冬ダイヤ開設目指す" [Zipair applies with the US Department of Transportation, aiming to launch Hawaii services during winter schedule]. Aviation Wire (in Japanese). Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  21. ^ "日航傘下ジップエア 初の就航、まず貨物便 逆風に負けず" [The first Zipair service under the umbrella of JAL]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). June 4, 2020. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  22. ^ Fukuda, Yoshifumi (July 7, 2020). "Zipair Tokyo goes cargo-only for debut flight due to pandemic". The Asahi Shimbun. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  23. ^ a b "Zipair/Hawaii". Zipair (Press release). Archived from the original on March 5, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  24. ^ a b Casey, David (July 21, 2021). "Zipair to open new international route". Routesonline. Informa Markets. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  25. ^ Yoshikawa, Tadayuki (October 28, 2021). "Zipair、3号機が姿現す 元JALの787-8、JA824J" [Former JAL 787-8 JA824J appears as Zipair Unit 3]. Aviation Wire (in Japanese). Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  26. ^ "Zipair receives third 787". CAPA - Centre for Aviation. Informa Markets. October 28, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  27. ^ a b "Zipair Announces Inaugural Long-Haul Destination: Service to Los Angeles Launching December 25". Zipair (Press release). November 12, 2021. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
  28. ^ "Japanese airline ditches "Z" logo to avoid misunderstanding". Kyodo News. June 16, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  29. ^ "Zipair to Launch Nonstop Service to Mineta San José Starting December 2022". Zipair Tokyo (Press release). Tokyo: Japan Airlines Group. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  30. ^ a b Liu, Jim (September 16, 2022). "Zipair Tokyo schedules mid-Dec 2022 Tokyo – San Jose launch". Aeroroutes. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  31. ^ a b Yoshikawa, Tadayuki (February 21, 2023). "Zipair、成田－サンフランシスコ・マニラ就航へ 787は7機に" [Zipair to launch Narita to San Francisco/Manila, to grow fleet to seven 787s]. Aviation Wire (in Japanese). Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  32. ^ a b "Zipair to Launch Inaugural Flight between Tokyo Narita and San Francisco International Airport on June 2, 2023". Zipair (Press release). April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  33. ^ a b Kohase, Yusuke (April 28, 2023). "Zipair、成田－マニラ7/1就航 1日1往復" [Zipair Narita–Manila service on 7/1, one round trip per day]. Aviation Wire (in Japanese). Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  34. ^ Yoshikawa, Tadayuki (November 8, 2023). "Zipair、成田－バンクーバー24年3月就航 日系LCC初、8号機は1月" [Zipair, first Japanese LCC to launch Narita–Vancouver flight in March 2024, eighth aircraft to be launched in January]. Aviation Wire (in Japanese). Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  35. ^ a b Liu, Jim (December 26, 2023). "Zipair Tokyo begins Vancouver service from mid-March 2024". AeroRoutes. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  36. ^ a b "Zipair to Launch Flights to Houston Expanding International Network to North America". Zipair (Press release). October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  37. ^ "Zipair Basic Information". Zipair. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  38. ^ "Zipair Will Launch Cargo Flights to Seoul". Zipair Tokyo (Press release). Tokyo: Japan Airlines Group. September 6, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  39. ^ "Zipair Tokyo Fleet Details and History". Planespotters.net. March 17, 2022. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  40. ^ "『Zipair』使用機材、ボーイング787型機の客室が完成!!" [Completed the cabin of the Boeing 787 aircraft, the equipment that uses "Zipair"!!] (Press release) (in Japanese). Zipair Tokyo. December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 24, 2019.

Media related to ZIPAIR Tokyo at Wikimedia Commons

  • Zipair (in English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Thai)
  • Zipair Tokyo (in English and Japanese)
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