Jetstar Japan’s first flight has taken off as a new era of domestic low fares travel is introduced into the world’s third largest economy.

Flight GK111, an Airbus A320 service with 180 passengers, departed Tokyo’s Narita Airport for the regional centre of Sapporo this morning.

On board for the inaugural service, Chief Executive Officer of the Qantas Group Alan Joyce said the new airline would help to reshape domestic travel in Japan.

“With Jetstar we have developed a highly efficient low cost carrier model that enables us to stimulate new demand by making air travel more affordable,” said Mr Joyce.

“The strong customer response to Jetstar Japan shows there’s a huge appetite for low fare travel options in this market.

“We’re pleased to be starting services five months ahead of schedule and less than 12 months after the airline was first announced, made possible with support from our partners Japan Airlines, Mitsubishi Corporation and Century Tokyo Leasing.”

Well over 100,000 fares have been sold by Jetstar Japan since sales started in April 2012. The airline’s everyday fares to its five domestic destinations are currently the lowest in the market and are backed by its unique Price Beat Guarantee, which means Jetstar will beat any comparable fare by 10 per cent.

Chief Executive Officer of the Jetstar Group, Jayne Hrdlicka, said the new airline would leverage and help grow the existing Jetstar network across the Asia Pacific region.

“Jetstar has been operating international flights into Japan from Australia and Singapore for the past five years, so this domestic operation is starting from a position of strength when it comes to consumer recognition and trust,” said Ms Hrdlicka.

“Jetstar is already the largest low fares airline in the Asia Pacific region by revenue and early signs are that we’re on track to become the number one LCC in Japan,” she added.

Chief Executive Officer of Jetstar Japan, Miyuki Suzuki, said the new airline would help connect people across Japan with fares up to 50 per cent lower than full service alternatives.

“Our low domestic fares will see Jetstar become part of the fabric of everyday life for thousands of Japanese who can now afford to fly with us to see friends and family or have a weekend away,” said Ms Suzuki.

Jetstar Japan joins the low fares network of Jetstar branded airlines in Singapore, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. Jetstar Hong Kong is scheduled to launch during 2013 subject to regulatory approval. The broader Jetstar Group operates up to 47 return flights between Japan and Australia, Singapore, Manila and Taiwan.

JETSTAR JAPAN FARES AND FLIGHT FREQUENCIES