Japanese low-cost-carrier ZIPAIR is all set to launch flights between Tokyo and San Francisco. The airline has not yet announced a fixed date for the route but it is expected to start in early summer.
The flights will connect ZIPAIR's hub at Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) with San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and will be operated by the Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
Three other airlines, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and United Airlines offer services on the same route and ZIPAIR is likely to face stiff competition from them.
Commenting on the news, Ivar C. Satero, Director, San Francisco International Airport, said: “We are truly excited to welcome ZIPAIR service between SFO and Tokyo this summer. With this move, travelers can enjoy ZIPAIR's fantastic value and SFO's award-winning, world-class airport experience. We thank ZIPAIR for choosing SFO and are committed to making this new service a success."
In addition to its new route to San Francisco, ZIPAIR also announced plans to launch flights to Manila (MNL) later this year, aiming to capture connecting traffic between the Philippines and the US.
Shingo Nishida, President, ZIPAIR said: “"San Francisco has a very strong demand from both Japan and Asia, Manila is seeing an increase in traffic to and from Japan, and more and more people are heading from the Philippines to North America."
San Francisco International Airport is ZIPAIR's third destination in California. The airline began daily services to Los Angeles International Airport in December 2021 and just under one year later, five times weekly services to San Jose International Airport.
ZIPAIR also connects Tokyo with Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Outside the US, ZIPAIR flies to Bangkok, Seoul, and Singapore.