TokyoTomo Travel Guide

Negotiations on Japan-France bilateral aviation agreement were conducted in Tokyo on October 22nd and 23rd, 2008, in which both countries agreed to permit one flight each per day between Haneda, Tokyo and Paris during late-evening and early-morning hours after the opening of Haneda’s 4th runway which is slated for October 2010. This is the first such case on the Japan/ Europe route.

The agreement will also permit Airbus A380 into Narita, Tokyo by Air France. ANA, on Japan side, has been studying A380 operation and the agreement will permit the same to ANA. In addition, the agreement will permit flight increase by Air France on Kansai, Osaka/ Paris route from the present 7 weekly flights to 14 from 2011 summer schedule. It will also eliminate restrictions on code-sharing and permit code-sharing flights with airlines of third countries.

With reference to a series of achievements in the agreement, Air France commented, “The Haneda traffic right will mean expanded potentiality for Air France in addition to Narita and we welcome it”. However, when it comes to the timing of Haneda operation, Air France remains cautious by saying that it is not at the stage for telling anything concrete yet and is studying its possibility.

Earlier, Claude Thenevin, former general manager for Japan, Air France and KLM, released the fact that Air France was discussing with Narita Airport Authority on the introduction of A380, however, the public relations office limited itself to a statement that although Air France aims for a start-up of A380 service in 2010, no definitive date is set at the present time.

Source: Travel Vision

Travel Vision Inc. provides information on the travel industry in Japan via "Daily Travel Vision", a Japanese-language e-mail newsletter, and the "Travel Vision" website. There are nearly 110,000 people working in the Japanese travel industry, and Travel Vision is proud to be bringing travel news to more than 30,000 people through Daily Travel Vision.

Singapore Airlines, in preparation for the inaugural A380 flight into Japan on May20, 2008, unveiled its mock-up cabin to the media as a preview in advance of the public release.

Philip Goh, General Manager for Japan, Singapore Airlines Limited, said, “We are pleased to be able to introduce A380 to Narita Airport on the day commemorating the 30th anniversary of its opening. The selection of Tokyo as the A380’s first Asian city highlights Singapore Airlines’ commitment to the Japanese market,” and explained that it was a major decision for Singapore Airlines.

“A possible destination for an additional A380 would be a city with sizable market where slots are constrained such as London, and Hong Kong also comes into view,” according to Goh.

Based on his remarks, Tokyo’s Narita could be one of such destinations, however, a key factor is the number of economy class seats on A380 which amounts to 399, an increase of 25% as compared to Boeing 747. It is going to be a challenge for the airline in Japan. “Countermeasures may differ depending on peak and off-peak period. Anyway, it will be resolved with our marketing efforts,” continued Goh.

Citing Sydney and London where A380 commenced service early on, he introduced that high marks have been received from respective market and travel industry. “When you gain their support, seat-load factor will rise,” said Goh.

The flight suspension on KIX route announced recently may be attributable to excessive discounting practice in the market. The increase on the number of economy class seats on A380 may pose a similar concern. “The market in Japan is expanding to reach 20 million level. There will be only one Singapore Airlines A380 flight daily out of Narita but we are hoping to be able to play a role in boosting demand,” he told the press.

Singapore Airlines will be promoting the 40th anniversary of its service to Japan with special commemorative campaigns and special fares, etc.

For Singapore Airlines Suite, a new first class product, termed “A Class beyond First,” a fare level 15% higher than the normal first class fare is charged on the existing routes, and Goh would like to follow suit in Japan as well, who is going to submit a fare application for approval to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Source: Travel Vision

Travel Vision Inc. provides information on the travel industry in Japan via "Daily Travel Vision", a Japanese-language e-mail newsletter, and the "Travel Vision" website. There are nearly 110,000 people working in the Japanese travel industry, and Travel Vision is proud to be bringing travel news to more than 30,000 people through Daily Travel Vision.

Air France AF

Claude Thenevin, General Manager for Japan, Air France and KLM, briefed the media recently that the introduction of A380 by Air France on the Japan route is now scheduled for summer 2009. AF, at the end of 2006, had revealed its intension to introduce the world’s largest aircraft on its Narita/ Paris route. It commenced pursuing dialogue with the Narita International Airport Corporation (NIAC) on preparations for accommodating A380 that include airport infrastructure, facilities and equipments.

Read more…