Japan Air unveil international services to China and South Korea
Japanese carrier expands domestic routes and launch international services to neighbouring countries.
Tokyo, Japan – 5 June 1998: Japan Air, the official national carrier of Japan, today announces the launch of the airline’s first international services to China and South Korea. Serviced by Japan Air’s brand new aircraft, the Fokker 100, services commenced from Tokyo Narita to South Korea's second largest metropolis, Busan and Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province in north-eastern China.
Japan Air's latest edition to their fleet
The newly launched airline also extended its domestic offering by adding Chubu Centrair International Airport to its destinations, presenting travellers with an easy commute hop from Tokyo to Nagoya in just over 55 minutes.
Akira Akiyama, Head of Commercial Operations said “We are delighted and honoured to be able to extend our route network at such a phenomenal pace. Japan Air has become a favourite amongst its people and we will continue to work on providing our passengers with what they need. Busan or the Summer Capital of South Korea as its known, was our natural choice for our first destination in South Korea due to its up and coming tourism status. Not only does Busan have Korea's largest beach and longest river but also features a variety of antique and souvenir shops along with unique restaurants, attractions and accommodations.” On new domestic destination Nagoya, Akiyama added “Home to automaking giants Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi Motors, Nagoya is one of the nation's major economic centres and an integral part of Japan Air’s expansion. We are very pleased to be able to offer passengers a quick and easy commute with over 50% less travelling time than travelling by train.”
Haeundae Beach in Busan
Newly appointed Director of Commercial Operations in China, Hitomi Yamamoto, said “It’s a great honour to connect the people of Japan with the wonderful and mesmerising China. The City of Shenyang plays host to many performing art organisations and is the home of an indoor speed skating arena, Bayi Speed Skating Oval, one of only four in China. Tianjin is famous for its historic nineteenth and early twentieth-century European architecture and also the respected home base of Beijing opera, one of the most prestigious forms of Chinese opera while Wenzhou offers visitors breath-taking natural beauty with its many rivers, mountains and beaches. Opening up these amazing destinations to our passengers will not only increase our offering but will also support China’s tourism.”
Based at Tokyo Narita International Airport, Japan Air currently serves 31 daily routes to destinations in Japan, South Korea and China.