Is this a bargain? Starflier's Housing + Unlimited Round trip Subscription Service for Remote Workers

 

Living in Fukuoka and Commuting to Tokyo, Housing and Unlimited Round trips in All-in-One Package, New Subscription Service by STARFLIER for Remote Workers

Nikkei reported the new subscription service by Starflier on October 12:

Starflier will launch a subscription service by spring 2023 that combines rental housing in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu, with airfare between Tokyo and Fukuoka. The service will encourage company employees in the Tokyo metropolitan area, who often work remotely, to relocate to Fukuoka. In principle, the service will allow unlimited air travel, which will lead to a recovery in yield that has dropped due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Starflier Chairman Tomonori Yokoe told the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), "We will launch a subscriber program by spring 2023 that includes rent for an apartment or house and a round-trip ticket between Kitakyushu Airport and Haneda Airport. We hope to announce the outline of the service as early as by the end of this year," he said.

Yokoe explained that the target users of the new service are "company employees who live in rental apartments in Tokyo with their families. He hopes to set the monthly fee at the same level as the rent of an apartment for a family in the 23 wards of Tokyo. The family will be able to move to a property in Fukuoka and fly to Tokyo whenever they need to for work or other reasons. He emphasizes, "If they can live in a larger house in Fukuoka for about the same rent as in Tokyo, and also have unlimited access to airplanes, we will increase the satisfaction of our customers.

Users will be able to make reservations for airline tickets by accessing a members-only page. The monthly fee is expected to be in the JPY 200,000 (USD1,350 up)  range, but Mr. Yokoe said, "There is an opinion within the company that 300,000 to 400,000 yen would be preferable," and that the details will be worked out in the future. While he stated that "there is no point in subscriptions if you can't fly whenever you need to," he added that he was still considering whether to include peak periods, such as the year-end and New Year holidays, in the unlimited travel period.

Fukuoka City is home to many branches and offices of large corporations, and corporate demand for single workers is also expected.

Mr. Yokoe commented on the airline business, "Basically, it is a fixed-cost business. In order to recover the business performance that deteriorated due to the Corona disaster, we need to reduce the number of empty seats on board," he explains. Starflier's average occupancy rate for the fiscal year ended March 2010 was 52.6%, down about 22 points from the pre-Corona disaster level in the fiscal year ended March 2007.

The standard break-even point for an airline is said to be a boarding rate of about 70%. With remote work taking root, there is a strong possibility that business travel demand will not return to the same level as before the COVID disaster. In order to return to profitability, which had been in the red for three consecutive years until the previous fiscal year, it is essential to cultivate demand from non-business travelers. The airline companies' new subscription plans are expected to capture the demand for regional migration in the aftermath of the Corona disaster.

Yokoe came to Starflier from Hankyu Corporation, a major private railway company. He was asked by Advantage Advisors (Minato, Tokyo), an investment company that supports Starflier, to become chairman in late June, together with President Osamu Machida, who transferred from All Nippon Airways (ANA). Although he has no experience in the airline industry, he is expected to develop services from an outsider's perspective.

He confided that when he solicited ideas for new services within the company after assuming the chairman's position, "we received 120 replies. He plans to launch a new project, including the person who proposed the idea as a member, with the aim of commercializing the service. 

ShinMaywa Develops Unmanned Seaplane for Commercial Applications

 ShinMaywa Develops New Unmanned Sea Plane Prototype before Commercial Use by Larger version

Unmanned flying boat takes off from the sea and successfully performs a figure-eight turn. 4-minute demonstration off the coast of Kobe; 

 

An unmanned aerial vehicle flies at an altitude of about 20 meters above the Port of Kobe under automatic control on September 2 (photo by Asako Nagamine)

Hyogo Keizai Plus reported a new seaplane prototype by ShinMaywa that succeeded in first flight off Kobe.

September 9, 2022

　ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. of Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, has been developing an unmanned flying boat that can take off and land on water. The aircraft made a figure-eight turn twice under automatic control, and when it landed on the water, it was greeted with applause from the audience.

　The aircraft is 3 meters long, 4 meters wide, and 0.9 meters high. It is made of light and strong carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and weighs less than 25 kg. It is equipped with an electric twin propeller and cruises at a speed of about 60 km/h. A flight demonstration was held in Kobe, Japan. The flight demonstration was part of the "First Drone Summit" held in Kobe.

ShinMaywa Industries' unmanned aerial vehicle is taken out to sea for a flight demonstration at Minatojima 1, Chuo-ku, Kobe on September 2.

　The development of the drone is aimed at improving and passing on the skills of engineers and tapping into the demand for unmanned aircraft due to the shortage of manpower in the aviation industry. It combines technology cultivated through the manufacture of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's US-2 rescue amphibian, the only one in the world capable of taking off and landing in the open sea, with a previously developed fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system capable of staying in the air for long periods of time.

　The intended applications include transporting underwater drones and submersibles that survey resources and energy on the seafloor to their destinations and recovering them, as well as transporting supplies to remote islands. According to the company, the new aircraft is being developed with research into onboard sensors and flight control in mind, and a larger size is essential for commercialization.

　During the flight demonstration, the aircraft was operated manually for takeoff and landing to ensure safety, but in theory, it is capable of fully automated flight. Satoshi Komatsu, manager of the Systems Section of the Engineering Department of the company's Aircraft Division, said, "We hope to bring this into reality within a few years. 

Japanese Aviation Venture Company introduces Super-compact Turbine Generator for Drones

 

Super-compact gas turbine generator applicable to drones emerges with output  of 1 kW/kg per Kg

Ultra-compact gas turbine generator exhibited by ADJ

 

 

MONOIst　https://monoist.itmedia.co.jp/　reported on June 22:

 

Air Develop Japan (ADJ) https://aerodevelop.jp/ presented an ultra-compact gas turbine generator for large drones at Japan Drone 2022 (June 21-23, 2021, Makuhari Messe).

 

The developed ultra-compact gas turbine generator has an output of 30 kW for a weight of 30 kg, achieving an output per weight of 1 kW/kg, whereas the output per weight of drone power sources is about 0.2 kW/kg for lithium-ion batteries and 0.6 kW/kg for fuel cells.

 

When this ultra-compact gas turbine generator is applied to a large drone, it is expected to achieve an on-board weight of 50 kg and a flight time of one hour. “We have already received orders for large drones," said an ADJ representative.

 

ADJ will continue to develop a larger power output, targeting 500 kW, for use in flying vehicles that can carry multiple passengers. “In addition to large drones and flying vehicles, we would also like to take advantage of the high output per unit weight to develop applications such as portable emergency generators," said the ADJ representative.

 

 

2022/06/28 JMSDF Saved Three Americans in Wrecked Yacht in the Pacific Ocean

 

The following announcement was made on June 29 by the Japan Joint Staff Office (JJSO). I would like you to see the location of this rescue on the map.

This incident was a good demonstration of Japan’s  air search and rescue capabilities.

JJSO

Map showing the recovery point, as far as 780 km from Naha, Okinawa and 1,620 km from Iwakuni, Yamaguchi.

On Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at approximately 1030, the Japan Coast Guard The 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters informed the Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Group Headquarters (Atsugi/Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture) of a rescue request from the captain of a yacht with three Americans aboard, located approximately 780 km southeast of Okinawa Island. 

The 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters of the Japan Coast Guard reported that the captain of a yacht with three Americans on board requested rescue at about 780km southeast of the main island of Okinawa.

At 1104 on the same day, the Commander of the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters of the Japan Coast Guard requested the Commander of the Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Group to dispatch a disaster relief team to the area. The request was accepted at the same time. 

At 1915 on the same day, as the three rescuers were transported to Naha Airport, the Commander of the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters of the Japan Coast Guard requested the Commander of the Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Group to dispatch a disaster relief team. 

The Commander of the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters requested the Commander of the Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Group to withdraw from the disaster relief mission, and all activities were terminated. Response by the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces 

On Tuesday, 28th (1500), a P-3C aircraft of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's 5th Air Group (Naha, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture) arrived at the site and confirmed the yacht's position. 

At 1628 on the same day, a US-2 aircraft of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's 31st Air Group (Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Pref.) arrived in the area　and began rescue operations. All three rescuers were taken in and left the area at 1714.

On the same day at 1915, transport of three rescuers to Naha Airport was completed.

US-2 amphibious flying boat leaving the area after rescue.

JJSO

STARFLYER starts In-flight service to accommodate pets in the cabin

 REANIMAL, a Japanese new site dedicated to animals reported the new in-flight service for passengers traveling with their pets.

STARFLIER’s website

STARFLYER https://www.starflyer.jp/en/ has announced that it will launch "FLY WITH PET!", Japan's first in-flight pet service for domestic scheduled flights, in the summer timetable of 2022. The service will begin on March 27, and sales have started from January 27, with reservations accepted through the website.

As the needs for air travel diversify, the Northern Kyushu-based company has been conducting a series of verification flights to confirm the feasibility to introduce a service to allow passengers to fly with their pets. Based on the results, the company has implemented thorough allergy countermeasures under the guidance of veterinarians and physicians, utilizing research results and other findings, and will launch the service officially.

The service will be available on four round-trip flights per day on the Haneda-Kitakyushu route, and up to one pet can accompany the passenger on each flight. The fee is 50,000 yen (USD 430) per pet. Only small dogs and cats that can fit into a pet cage of the company's specified size (within 50 x 40 x 40 cm) are allowed. The pet cage will be placed on the window side of the last row, row 27, and the pet owner will sit in the seat next to the pet cage, Star Flier says.

Pets cannot be taken out of the cage or fed during the flight but can be watered using a water dispenser. In addition, there is no oxygen mask for pets, and aviation law does not allow emergency evacuation with pets.

The conditions under which pets are allowed to accompany passengers in the cabin include: the pet must be in good health, must be well tamed, must be well trained, and must have completed various vaccinations. The pet must also wear a pet diaper in advance. For detailed conditions and precautions, please refer to the company's website.■

Japan to Host US MQ-9s at MSDF Base in Kyushu

 

NHK reported on January 25, 2022, that US. drones to be deployed and based at S. drones to be deployed and based at Kanoya Air Base in southern Japan to watch Chinese maritime activities.

The Japanese and U.S. governments are considering deploying U.S. military drones to the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture for the first time in order to strengthen their surveillance of China's growing maritime ambitions.

The Japanese and U.S. governments agreed to increase the joint use of facilities between the two countries at the so-called "two plus two" foreign and defense ministerial talks held this month, with China's increasing maritime expansion in the Southwest Islands and other areas in mind.

Specifically, it is envisioned that about seven MQ-9 will be deployed, with about 100 American military personnel assigned to their operation and maintenance.

This is the first time that U.S. drones will be deployed at a Self-Defense Force base, and both Tokyo and Washington hope to have a representative visit the base next month to inspect the conditions of the hangar and accommodation facilities.

The Ministry of Defense will soon explain the situation to the local mayor and ask for his cooperation.

Kanoya Air Base is located in southern Kyushu to watch southwestern area 

First U.S. drone to be deployed at SDF base, Kanoya air base considered

January 26, 2022 5:16 AM Self-Defense Force

JAL's New Security System; You Don't Need to Take Out Your Laptop from Bag, Anymore

 Engadget Japan reported a new security system at the airport for Japan Airlines checkpoints to relieve stress of long waiting for security clearance.

Above. An image of Smart Security incorporating UV sterilization of baggage trays 

Japan Airlines will introduce the Smart Security, using X-ray CT technology, a new type of security inspection at all JAL’s domestic security checkpoints at Tokyo Haneda Airport. The new system will make it possible to inspect passengers’ luggages while keeping laptops or liquid inside.

The X-ray CT inspection system uses a three-dimensional image of the baggage for X-ray inspection, so there is no need to take out  anything from bags.

In addition, three individual preparation tables will be set up per lane, and ready passengers will proceed to security inspection earlier, thereby shortening the waiting time.

In addition, the lanes will be equipped with UV sterilization equipment to provide passengers with security inspection trays that are up to 99.9% sterilized.

Installation of all the systems will begin in late January at security checkpoints B, C, E, and F at domestic flights at Haneda, and the system will be gradually become operational at each security checkpoint after April, with the goal of completing the installation by August

Japan Airlines special charter flight to watch the very first sunrise over Mt. Fuji, again this year

Toraberu Watch reported an annual morning flight by JAL  in the early morning of January 1 to see the very first sunrise, a sign believed to bring in fortune of the new year,  for selected passengers. 

Toraberu Watch

 

On January 1, 2022, Japan Airlines　 conducted the　annual "First Sunrise Hatsu Fuji Flight" to view the New Year's very first sunrise on board, The flight departed from Tokyo-Haneda.

This year again, 256 people (plus one infant) were selected by lottery from applicants as many as five times the number of available seats. The lucky passengers gathered at Haneda in the early morning.

For the first time, an Airbus A350-900 (registration number: JA13XJ) with 12 first class seats and 94 Class J seats was chartered for the first sunrise flight. The flight number was JL4101, named after New Year's Day 2022 or Reiwa 4 according to Japanese designation of the year.

The aircraft took off Haneda before sunrise at 5:46 a.m. and reached the Southern Alps at just after 6:10 a.m., where it was put on standby, and after enjoying the contrast between the brightening sky and Mt. Fuji, and then watched the sunrise at 6:41 a.m. The aircraft circled several times to provide passengers on both sides of the plane with a dynamic view of the sunrise, and the participants enjoyed taking pictures with their cameras. After that, the aircraft flew north toward Ibaraki and then turned around, landing at Haneda at 7:51.

Passengers were given Osechi-style lunch boxes and tea in thick tote bags, sake and masu, and red and white manju (steamed buns). There were also many gifts at the reception, including origami cranes, luggage tags, original key chains made by mechanics, New Year's cards with handwritten messages, mini model planes (for those who presented proof of vaccination or negative test results), and boarding certificates.

 

Special meal, drinks and novelties handed to passengers on board

JAL's 2022 New Year's Sunrise Flight. Airbus A350 with first class & view of  the year’s first sunrise for the best start of New Year!

Editor: Toshiya Matsumoto

January 1, 2022 09:34

https://travel.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1378078.html

Translated and edited by the editor