AirAsia Japan, the Japanese affiliate of the world’s best low-cost carrier, is back in business with its maiden service from AirAsia Japan’s main hub in Nagoya to Sapporo – the capital of northern Hokkaido prefecture. The twice-daily service will commence on 29 October 2017.

Group CEO Tony Fernandes (pictured above) said, “It’s great to be back in Japan. It hasn’t been easy, and I want to thank my partners Rakuten, Octave, Noevir and Alpen for their support and patience. Many people thought we would give up and not bother but we owe it to the people of Japan and our staff to keep going. This took a long time but, like good wine, all good things take time and we are off the taxiway and ready to take off.

“Japan is a fantastic market with amazing people, culture and food, but one that has been underserved in the budget segment for too long. I believe Japan is ready for a true low-cost experience, and AirAsia will be at the forefront of that revolution, starting with today’s route launch. With new partners who share our vision, I have no doubt that AirAsia is poised to become an important part of how people fly in Japan.”