ANA Holdings has announced that it will cease operations of its Air Japan brand on Mar. 28, 2026. Air Japan, much like ZIPAIR under Japan Airlines, is a subsidiary of ANA, providing a mid-haul low-cost service across Asia.
The brand launched less than 2 years ago, in February 2024, between Tokyo and Bangkok. Since then, ANA Group has operated with a three-brand approach, with its full-service carrier All Nippon Airways, low-cost carrier Peach Aviation, and a hybrid-style Air Japan. Following the end of Air Japan, the company will return to a two-brand strategy with All Nippon Airways and Peach Aviation.
ANA has cited the prolonged effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has forced longer duties for crew, and aircraft delivery delays as reasons for its decisions.
Air Japan has a fleet of two Boeing 787-8 aircraft, JA801A and JA803A. This limited fleet means a 100% fleet utilization for the carrier, and any maintenance issues or delays in aircraft arrival mean significant effects on passengers.
Its Boeing 787s include 324 economy class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. Unlike JAL’s ZIPAIR, there are no lie-flat seats onboard.
During its short time in operations, Air Japan has connected Tokyo Narita to three destinations: Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore.
This comes in stark contrast to ZIPAIR, which serves 12 destinations in Asia and North America. The Japan Airlines subsidiary is now eyeing an expansion to the US East Coast, and will operate a series of charter flights to Orlando, Florida, in the coming months.
Air Japan was perhaps doomed with competition from the beginning, as Peach Aviation had expanded into similar territory in recent years, and was playing catch-up to ZIPAIR.
Its final flight will take place on Mar. 28, 2026, between Tokyo and Singapore.
All photos via Air Japan.
