Japanese budget start-up ZIPAIR plans US flights despite coronavirus pandemic
At a time when most airlines can't pull down service fast enough, one Japanese start-up carrier has unveiled plans for a new U.S. route.
Budget carrier ZIPAIR plans to begin flights to Hawaii during its first year of service, though when that will occur depends on the coronavirus pandemic.
The Tokyo-based carrier is seeking a foreign air carrier permit from U.S. regulators that would allow it to begin flights to the country, ZIPAIR said in an application to the Department of Transportation on April 20. The airline plans to initially fly to Honolulu (HNL) from Tokyo's Narita (NRT) airport.
ZIPAIR, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, will launch with a fleet of two Boeing 787-8s. The jets will be configured with 290 seats, including 18 lie-flat premium seats and 272 economy seats, according to the application.
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COVID-19 has put a question mark on ZIPAIR's plans. The airline has indefinitely postponed its first flight, between Tokyo and Bangkok (BKK), that was planned for May. But the carrier maintains plans to begin Seoul Incheon (ICN) service on July 1.
ZIPAIR aims to begin flights to Honolulu around the end of October. However, those plans will depend on the lifting of travel restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus and the return of passenger demand for flights to Hawaii.
There is the possibility that ZIPAIR may not launch this year at all. Parent JAL has slashed domestic capacity nearly in half through May 6, and will fly just 6% of its international schedule through the end of May. The cuts include suspending all flights to Hawaii.
Whenever ZIPAIR does land in Hawaii, it will face stiff competition. All Nippon Airways (ANA), Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JAL, Korean Air and United Airlines all are due to fly between Tokyo and Honolulu in October, according to Cirium schedules.
ANA even operated a fleet of dedicated fleet of Airbus A380s on Honolulu flights before the crisis hit.
Related: Flying Honu to Hawaii: A Review of ANA’s A380 Business Class
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Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
- The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees