Saturday, December 28, 2013

Spring Airlines Japan receives AOC.

On December 26th, Spring Airlines Japan announced that they have received an air operator's certificate (AOC) from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), paving the way for launching operations in late May 2014.
Boeing 737-86N(WL) JA02GR at Narita. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

From its hub at Tokyo/Narita's (NRT/RJAA) Terminal 2, they will initially serve Takamatsu (TAK/RJOT), Hiroshima (HIJ/RJOA), and Saga (HSG/RJFS) with two daily round-trips respectively. Their first aircraft, Boeing 737-81D(WL) JA01GR, was delivered in April, followed by its second, JA02GR, in December, and a third will be added in March 2014 for a total of three before launch. Its aircraft will seat 18 in premium class with a wider seat-pitch and 171 in normal economy, for a total of 189 seats. The first is on lease from AWAS and the second from GECAS, and the airline intends to add five aircraft each year, aiming to reach 20 in 2017.

Most of its pilots formerly worked with Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) along with other domestic carriers, and are currently working to train younger flight crew. Some staff who had worked with Star Flyer (7G/SFJ) and the defunct non-starter Link Airs have also joined. The airline currently employs 219 employees, and will bring that up to 250 by the time of launch.

Spring Airlines Japan is controlled 33.0% by Chinese LCC Spring Airlines (9C/CQH), 31.0% by venture-capital firm Skystar Financial Management, 25.0% by Pachinko-slot manufacturer Yamasa, 6.0% by Ibis LCC Investment Partners, 3.0% by Spring Airlines Japan Investment Partners, and 2.0% by SMBC Venture Capital.

Source: Aviation Wire (in Japanese)

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