Tag: nature

Japan Airlines and Kammui announce Strategic Alliance for Adventure Tourism Market

July 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

As compared to more conventional forms of travel, AT has greater per capita consumption and
economic impact for regional development, and is becoming increasingly popular in Europe, the U.S.,
and elsewhere, globally. AT is especially popular amongst wealthy individuals who value the
importance of contributing to the local communities through travel. While demand for AT in Japan has
been growing in line with increases in inbound travel, there remains a shortage of skilled guides and
appropriate infrastructure conducive to welcoming international visitors.

Kammui and Japan Airlines (OTC: JAPSY) has entered a strategic alliance involving various initiatives to enhance AT in Japan
with the goal of developing the market for premium tourism, with a focus on inbound travelers. Kammui
and JAL will leverage their respective strengths to create premium content encouraging travelers to
reconnect to nature in innovative ways and inspire more people to experiences Japan’s nature.

In cooperation with the Japan Adventure Tourism Association (JATO), where JAL belongs as one
of the regular members, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the largest industry
organization in the AT field, JAL and Kammui will work together to develop human resources
capable of promoting AT, with the goal of promoting world-class AT in Japan. The partnership will
focus on developing individuals with the ability to act as leaders in their respective regions and
build and promote networks in each region to enhance AT within Japan.

JAL will start offering Kammui experiences through JAL Dynamic Package, a travel product allowing
customers to combine airline tickets, accommodation, activities, transportation, and other travel
products. JAL will start by offering 8 AT experiences from within Kammui’s selection of more than
300 unique experiences covering a wide variety of regions of Japan. Kammui and JAL are aiming to
offer new value for travelers to Japan allowing them to enjoy authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences
combining nature and culture.

Hokkaido Air Company Takes Delivery of 1st ATR 42-600

December 18, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Japanese regional operator starts fleet replacement with eco-responsible turboprop aircraft

World number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR today delivered the first of two ATR 42-600 aircraft to Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd (HAC), a JAL Group Company. This delivery marks the first step in HAC’s replacement of its Saab 340 fleet. The delivery of this aircraft will ensure that essential regional air connectivity in Hokkaido can continue.

The ATR 42-600 will offer HAC increased capacity for the same operating costs – generating opportunities for the airline to increase revenues. It will also provide HAC’s passengers with a modern, comfortable cabin featuring latest generation 18”-wide seats as well as more space for luggage in the overhead bins.

Tetsu Ohori, Chief Executive Officer of HAC said: “Today is a long-awaited day for us at Hokkaido Air System, and becomes a memorable day, marking a new chapter in our history. We have so many tourists who enjoy the fantastic ‘Mother Nature’ of Hokkaido. In winter, the great nature turns her face with severe cold and heavy snow. Even under such hard conditions, this ATR 42 will perform well and make our new business a success. I’m really looking forward to showing this wonderful aircraft to everyone in Hokkaido as soon as possible.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli remarked: “Our aircraft makes perfect sense for the Japanese market. Japanese passengers, who are known to demand the very best in terms of comfort and eco-responsibility, will appreciate both the aircraft’s reduced emissions and modern comfortable cabin. This, plus the unbeatable economics and the need to maintain essential regional connectivity in Japan demonstrates why we are increasing our presence in the country.”

ATR’s market estimates forecast that around 900 30-50 seat aircraft will soon need to be replaced as older and inefficient aircraft come to the end of their lives. The ATR 42-600 is part of ATR’s unique family of regional aircraft, including the ATR 72-600, the ATR 42-600S (Short Take-Off and Landing) and the ATR 72-600F, the only brand new regional freighter. Together, they represent the ideal and modern solution to ensure that essential connectivity is maintained for local communities all over the world, while flying sustainably, emitting up to 40% less CO2 compared with regional jets.

About Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd
Established on 30 September, 1997, Hokkaido Air System began operations on 28 March.1998, with Japan Airlines (57.3%), Hokkaido government (19.5%), Sapporo city (13.5%) as major shareholders. Hokkaido Air System operates three aircraft (SAAB340B-WT) and 26 daily departures on five routes; between Sapporo-Okadama and Rishiri/Kushiro/Hakodate/Misawa, Hakodate and Okushiri, based in Sapporo-Okadama airport.

Canadian Agency Mandates Onex Meet Ownership Rules on WestJet Deal

December 11, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

(Reuters) – The Canadian Transportation Agency said on Tuesday Onex Corp will need to amend its by-laws to meet the country’s ownership rules related to its proposed C$3.5 billion buyout deal of Canada’s second-largest carrier WestJet Airlines.

The agency has sought the amendment to Onex’s by-laws to ensure that matters related to WestJet are voted where a majority of Canadian directors are present.

WestJet said it is in the process of reviewing the determination.

Air Canada had challenged Onex Corp’s proposed acquisition of WestJet Airlines, on grounds that the deal may not meet the country’s ownership rules. (https://reut.rs/2LHqQvk)

Air Canada had argued that the likely presence of Onex co-investors such as foreign wealth funds and carriers, and “the opaque nature” of the deal to buy WestJet through company subsidiary Kestrel Bidco, will make it harder to ensure compliance with ownership laws.

Under Canada’s Transportation Act, carriers must be Canadian and controlled by Canadians in order to hold a domestic licence.

Shareholders of WestJet Airlines in July voted in favor of the Onex deal.

Under Canadian rules, foreigners cannot own more than 49% equity in a Canadian airline. The rules further restrict a foreign airline and any single foreign owner from controlling more than a quarter of voting interests in a Canadian carrier.

Onex did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.

(Reporting by Arundhati Sarkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Uttaresh.V)

Japan Airlines and Kammui announce Strategic Alliance for Adventure Tourism Market

Hokkaido Air Company Takes Delivery of 1st ATR 42-600

Canadian Agency Mandates Onex Meet Ownership Rules on WestJet Deal

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