The transport ministry has granted the Japanese unit of Chinese discount carrier Spring Airlines Co. a license to start operations here next year.
Spring Airlines Japan Co., based in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, will begin passenger flights in late May linking Narita International Airport with Hiroshima, Saga and Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture.
Spring will be the fourth budget airline to operate in Japan, following Peach Aviation Ltd., Jetstar Japan Co. and Vanilla Air Inc.