Japan Airlines will make additional investments in two of its three low-cost units, Jetstar Japan and Spring Japan, as it looks to build up a low-cost network centred around its Tokyo Narita hub. Though it did not disclose the financial value of the investments, JAL says they are partially supported by funds raised from a public offering in November 2020. The latest announcements comes as Spring Japan officially became a JAL consolidated subsidiary. The carrier first disclosed plans to acquire Spring Japan — a joint venture with Chinese low-cost giant Spring Airlines — in early May, as part of its medium-term business plan. JAL had previously owned 48% of the low-cost unit, though this was boosted to a majority stake following the acquisition. In its latest update, JAL reiterated its broad low-cost strategy involving its three units, which also comprise medium- to long-haul unit Zipair. The three Narita-based carriers will each target a specific market, states JAL. Together, they will target “revenue growth in low-yield markets, with steady recovery and solid growth potential” following the coronavirus pandemic, which has impacted the carrier’s profitability. <br/>
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Cathay Pacific is set to resume passenger flights in and out of Auckland later this month. The Hong Kong airline has been operating cargo only flights during the COVID-19 pandemic but announced on Friday passenger services would be returning July 8. The announcement comes after the easing of restrictions in Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific will operate one flight to and from Aotearoa every week, in addition to an Air New Zealand operated codeshare flight operating on the same route. "Following a brief suspension of our Auckland service we are looking forward to returning to New Zealand skies this month as part of our efforts to support Kiwis who need to travel," Cathay Pacific South-West Pacific Manager, Rakesh Raicar said. "The safety of our passengers is a number one priority and we have enhanced wellbeing measures across every stage of their journey to provide peace of mind. Passengers can also continue to travel with confidence knowing they have the freedom of making unlimited changes to their new tickets without any fees." <br/>