ZIPAIR

ZIPAIR (ZIPAIR Tokyo Inc., IATA code ZG) is a low-cost airline owned entirely by Japan Airlines. It is headquartered on the grounds of Narita International Airport and flies from Narita to Asia and North America using Boeing 787 wide-bodies. Fares cover the seat; checked bags and onboard purchases are extra, whichever seat is booked.

History

JAL announced the venture in May 2018 and set up a preparatory company in July 2018 under the working name T.B.L. ("To Be Launched"). ZIPAIR began operating on 3 June 2020 as a cargo-only airline, because of the passenger travel restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and started passenger flights on 16 October 2020. It had 815 employees in January 2025. Hiroo Iwakoshi is chairman and Yasuhiro Fukada president and chief executive.

Network

As of October 2026 Wikipedia lists these destinations from Narita:

• Asia: Bangkok, Seoul Incheon, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (from 20 October 2026).
• North America: Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Vancouver (since March 2024) and Houston (since March 2025).

Manila was served from July 2023 to March 2026, and an Orlando charter ran from February to March 2026; both have ended.

Cabin and service

There are two seat types: the lie-flat "ZIP Full-Flat" seat at the front and standard seats behind. The aircraft have no seatback screens; passengers stream entertainment to their own devices, and Wi-Fi is free. As of October 2026 the fare includes two carry-on pieces with a combined weight of 7 kg; extra cabin weight and every checked bag are paid for.

Fleet

A Wikipedia fleet table dated July 2026 lists eight Boeing 787-8s, six of them leased from JAL. Each seats 290: 18 in ZIP Full-Flat and 272 standard. Ten Boeing 787-9s have been ordered through JAL, with deliveries planned from the 2027 financial year. The fleet plan has shifted over time: Wikipedia records seven aircraft announced in 2023, eight added in early 2024 and a target of ten for 2025.