Quantcast

ZIPAIR ends San Jose-Tokyo route amid ongoing challenges

Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
ZIPAIR ends San Jose-Tokyo route amid ongoing challenges
Policy
Webp my4djcnixmixw1ksf655oqjccs0m
Tom Boon Content Manager | Simple Flying

ZIPAIR, a low-cost subsidiary of Japan Airlines, appears to be ending its San Jose flights. The airline introduced the route from Tokyo Narita in December 2022, but no services are scheduled or bookable after October 24, 2024. Since 1990, seven airlines have attempted long-haul flights from San Jose.

San Jose, located near San Francisco, has faced significant challenges with its long-haul network. In the latest schedule update over the weekend, ZIPAIR signaled that it is pulling out. The airport serves Silicon Valley and more; economic challenges and the slow rebound in business travel have partly caused its woes. This is compounded by a much bigger, busier, and more well-known airport not far away. Airlines can consolidate to cut costs, reduce complexity, and improve performance.

ZIPAIR uses 290-seat Boeing 787-8s and currently serves San Jose six times weekly. Until last week, the plan was to run through the winter with five weekly services. However, the airline's latest schedule filing shows that the last flight will be on October 24. As of July 8 and subject to change, no flight is scheduled or bookable in 2025.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

According to the US Department of Transportation, ZIPAIR carried about 107,000 San Jose passengers last year. It filled approximately 206 out of 290 seats (71%) – a low number. Many seats were unfilled at the start of the year (53-54%, partly because of COVID-19) and in October and December (60%-70%, mainly because of winter). While seat load factors are just one performance measure and should not be considered in isolation, they are nonetheless telling.

San Francisco filled an average of 77% of seats since its introduction in June 2023 while Los Angeles filled 81%. It appears that ZIPAIR will now consolidate in San Francisco.

ZIPAIR was the fourth Asian airline to attempt San Jose flights and the third airline between Tokyo and the city. American's San Jose hub was tried twice: first in the 1990s then again post-Reno Air.

Using US DOT and Cirium data, these long-haul routes have existed since 1990:

- Air China: Shanghai Pudong (2016-2018)

- American: Tokyo Narita (1991-2006)

- All Nippon: Tokyo Narita (2013-2020)

- British Airways: London Heathrow (2016-2020, 2022-2023)

- Hainan: Beijing Capital (2015-2020)

- Lufthansa: Frankfurt (2016-2018)

- ZIPAIR: Tokyo Narita (2022-2024)

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Air India has announced the launch of daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda, commencing on June 15, 2025.

May 5, 2025

Allegiant Air announced a limited-time promotion on May 1, 2025, offering Allways Rewards members up to $50 off bookings of $200 or more with promo code LOVEALLWAYS.

May 5, 2025

Airlines for America announced its gratitude to President Donald J. Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for their commitment to modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system.

May 5, 2025

Finnair has announced the cancellation of approximately 100 flights on May 5, 2025, due to industrial action by the Finnish Aviation Union at Helsinki Airport.

May 5, 2025

EVA Air has announced its participation in the 2025 Taiwanese Heritage Night at Angel Stadium, where it will offer giveaways and a chance to win a free trip to Taiwan.

May 5, 2025

Copa Airlines has announced a new codeshare partnership with Volaris, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Mexico and Latin America.

May 5, 2025