Summary
- Jetstar Asia has resumed direct flights from Singapore to Okinawa, becoming the only airline offering this nonstop service.
- The airline operates three weekly return services between Singapore and Okinawa, adding over 54,000 low-fare seats annually to the popular route.
- Jetstar Asia aims to expand its network and enhance connectivity in support of tourism, catering to customers seeking both relaxation and adventure in Okinawa.
Asia’s airlines are rapidly adding capacity, opening new routes, and resuming old services as they build up towards the lucrative end of the year and Lunar New Year peak holiday seasons. Many carriers have returned most of their aircraft to service, allowing this expansion to gain more traction, as is the case with low-cost airline Jetstar Asia.
Reopening a unique connection
Yesterday, Jetstar Asia, a member of the Jetstar Group, resumed direct flights from Singapore to Okinawa (Japan) and reclaimed its position as the only airline offering this nonstop service. Jetstar Asia has now relaunched flights from Singapore to two destinations in Japan, with yesterday’s Okinawa resumption coming after the carrier resumed flights to Osaka last week.
Photo: Sudpoth Sirirattanasakul | Shutterstock
Jetstar flight 3K791 departed Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 02:48 and landed in Japan at Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) at 08:35 after a flight lasting 4:47 hours. After a two-hour turnaround, the aircraft left as flight 3K792 at 10:34 and arrived in Singapore at 14:28.
The operating aircraft was a 2011 Airbus A320-200, registration 9V-JSL and MSN 04786 that operated six flights on Thursday. Following the return service to Okinawa, the A320 was immediately back in service on a return flight between Singapore and Malaysia’s Penang International Airport (PEN), finishing the day with a return rotation to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
A320 returns with a full load of passengers
Jetstar Asia has a fleet of eight Airbus A320-200s, and all are configured in a one-class economy layout of 180 seats, with yesterday’s flight carrying a full load of passengers. The resumed service to Okinawa will operate three return services weekly on Thursday, Tuesday and Sunday and add more than 54,000 low-fare seats annually to the popular route.
Jetstar Asia CEO Barathan Pasupathi said the airline is delighted to connect Singaporeans and Southeast Asia travelers with this must-visit island once again.
“Our low fares will give more customers the opportunity to experience this incredible tropical paradise, from its pristine beaches and delicious food to its unique cultural experiences, Okinawa caters to those seeking both relaxation and adventure.”
He added that Jetstar Asia is committed to expanding its network and enhancing connectivity that supports tourism and helps customers create incredible memories. Pasupathi also understands that Japanese travelers are excited to again have easy access to Singapore, a city they visit for its iconic attractions and diverse activities.
The route has been suspended for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as the closest part of Japan to Singapore, it is expected to quickly regain its popularity at both ends of the route. Okinawa is often described as giving a unique ‘Japan-but-not-Japan’ experience with its unique mix of cultures and untouched nature, including the World Natural Heritage Site of Yanbaru and Iriomote Island, surrounded by crystal-clear blue sea.
Jetstar Asia is part of the Jetstar Group, a subsidiary of Australia’s Qantas Group. The Jetstar Group comprises Jetstar Airways in Australia and New Zealand, Jetstar Asia based in Singapore and Jetstar Japan based at Narita Airport in Tokyo. The three airlines have flown more than 300 million passengers since the airline launched in 2004, and today, the combined fleet totals more than 100 aircraft, including Airbus A320s, A321s, A321LRs and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.
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