Zipair takes-off: first maiden flight in history with no passengers onboard

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June 4, 2020 / Zipair (ZG), the new Low Cost Carrier (LCC) of Japan Airlines, operated its maiden flight on June 3 with a flight from Tokyo (NRT) to Bangkok (BKK). The Boeing 787-8 was without passengers onboard and carried only cargo. The low-cost subsidiary of Japan Airlines was initially due start operations on May 14.

The debut was delayed by the COVID-19 crisis. In a statement, Zipair president Shingo Nishida said, “Since the announcement of our business in May 2018, our employees have united to prepare for the launch of medium and long-distance LCC services. Unfortunately, in light of the current situation, we are not able to launch passenger flights to Bangkok. As people around the world find new ways to promote their businesses, we decided to take a step forward by temporarily launching cargo-only flights between Japan and Thailand”.

Cargo flights are keeping to the same schedule as the original passenger flights, operating to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi  four times a week on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Passenger flights have been postponed indefinitely, but Zipair has ambitions of long haul flights particularly between Japan and the US. (Photo Wikimedia Commons / Melv_L – MACASR)

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