Malaysian long-haul budget airline AirAsia X said it would enter the Japanese market in December by launching regular flights between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo.
The carrier will introduce three flights a week connecting the Malaysian capital with Tokyo’s Haneda airport, AirAsia X’s chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said in Tokyo.
It will be the first foreign budget airline authorised to use Haneda, which will begin handling an expanded array of international fights in October when it opens a fourth runway and a new terminal.
Haneda is considered more practical than its sister airport Narita as it is located only 30 minutes from Tokyo. It can take more than twice that time to reach Narita, located 60 kilometres from the capital.
AirAsia X plans to sell a one-way ticket for 5,000 yen ($58) for an economy seat from Japan as an opening discount, compared with economy fares of more than 200,000 yen offered by current route operators.
Fares from Malaysia could be as low as $31, the company said.
“As far as other airports in Japan, yes, we remain very interested,” Mr Azran told a news conference. “We could operate at least three different airports over... a couple of years.”
Mr Azran also said that his carrier plans to introduce new routes to Australia and China, as well as new destinations in the Middle East and Europe.
AirAsia’s entry into the Japanese market will further boost competition in a space that is set to become increasingly crowded.
Japan’s All Nippon Airways earlier this month unveiled plans to launch a low-cost carrier operating both international and domestic short-haul routes out of Kansai International Airport, Osaka, in the second half of 2011.
Qantas Airways’ budget Jetstar airline already flies between Japan and Australia.
Flagship carrier Japan Airlines, receiving government funds after filing for bankruptcy last year, has also said it is considering launching a budget airline.
An affiliate of regional low-cost carrier AirAsia and Virgin Group, AirAsia X was launched in January 2007. AirAsia and AirAsia X have common shareholders, including AirAsia founder and CEO Tony Fernandes.
The group currently has 94 aircraft. Mr Azran said it had also placed an order for 25 Airbus A330s and 10 A350s.