Skymark Airlines on Tuesday obtained a license to offer flight services between Tokyo and Fukuoka, becoming the first new airline in 35 years to enter Japan's domestic market.
Skymark Airlines, a joint venture owned mainly by discount ticket agent H.I.S. Co. and major leasing company Orix Corp., plans to offer three daily flights on the route beginning Sept. 13, with air fares 50 percent less than those offered by current carriers All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Japan Air System.
Top Skymark executives stressed safety after the company received the license. "I feel responsibility and pressure," said Skymark Chairman Hideo Sawada. "We are an airline that will make safety a priority, even though we want to operate with a fare to benefit consumers."