Regional Round-Up
ANA, JAL revise strategies
September 1st 2013
Japan’s major international carriers, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), have announced their mid-term strategic plans. ANA announced the launch of its third low-cost carrier in two years, Vanilla Air, which will effectively replace failed joint venture AirAsia Japan. Read More »
It said it would pursue a multi-band approach, expanding the portfolio to include ancillary airline services, acquire training company, Pan Am Holdings, from American Capital Ltd for 13.7 billion yen (US$139.5 million), and target expansion in high growth markets, particularly in Asia.
ANA’s mid-term strategy was announced after the airline reported a loss of 6.6 billion yen (US$67 million) in its first quarter, compared with a profit of 668 million yen in the same months in 2012.
JAL announced it would increase flight frequencies and introduce the B787-8 onto more international routes in the final three months of 2013. The B787 will be flying on the Narita to Sydney and Bangkok routes to improve cost efficiencies and its revamped B777-300ERs, with upgraded premium Sky Suites, will fly on the Narita to Los Angeles and Chicago routes in December and January respectively.
Upgraded B767-300ERS, with improved Sky Suites, will operate from Narita to Vancouver and Kuala Lumpur, also from December and January respectively.
