New airline set to take off in June

New airline set to take off in June

A new airline is set to launch its first flight next month amid the most hostile commercial aviation environment in the industry’s history.

ZIPAIR Tokyo revealed last week that it had applied to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan for the launch of cargo-only flights between Tokyo Narita and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport from 3 June 2020.

It comes as Japan emerges from a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declaring the country’s “unique” approach to the novel virus had contained its spread.

Based on the global impact of COVID-19, ZIPAIR Tokyo’s original plan to launch passenger flights has been temporarily postponed.

However, as airlines continue to suspend flights, the need for air cargo services is in demand.

As such, the airline – which is wholly-owned by Japan Airlines – announced the plan to launch cargo-only flights utilising the carrier’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft between the two countries.

As for the passenger services start-up, ZIPAIR said it would share an announcement when the date is confirmed.

“Since the announcement of our business in May 2018, our employees have united to prepare for the launch of medium and long-distance LCC services,” ZIPAIR president Shingo Nishida said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, in light of the current situation, we are not able to launch passenger flights to Bangkok.

“As people around the world find new ways to promote their businesses, we decided to take a step forward by temporarily launching cargo-only flights between Japan and Thailand.

“As a new airline that looks to serve a diverse customer base, our employees will continue to prepare for the much-anticipated launch of passenger flights to destinations throughout the world.”


Featured image: ZIPAIR Tokyo aircraft design (zipairtokyo.com)

Latest News