Japan: Chinese carriers boost Tokyo Narita capacity

China’s three largest airlines will be increasing their presence at Tokyo Narita airport, with new route launches and increased frequencies. China Eastern will launch Kunming-Tokyo Narita flights on 18 February. The Skyteam carrier will operate the route four times weekly with its Airbus A330-200 and Boeing 787-9. It has launched three new flights to the Japanese capital since the start of the year. On 2, 4 and 5 January, it began flights from Yantai, Wuhan and Qingdao respectively. These flights are operated by the airline’s 737-800s and A320s. Separately, Air China will commence operations from Hangzhou on 10 January. The flights, operated four times a week, will be flown with the Star Alliance carrier’s A321s. China Southern will also recommence flights between its Guangzhou hub and Tokyo Narita. The four-times weekly service will be operated with 737-800s and commences 10 January. A Narita Airport release indicates China Southern last operated the route four years ago.<br/>