ZIPAIR Tokyo, the medium to long-haul international low-cost carrier wholly owned by Japan Airlines (JAL), officially launched its Narita-Houston route on March 4, 2025. This highly anticipated route will operate four round trips per week, marking a significant milestone as it becomes the longest route for ZIPAIR and the longest for any Japanese low-cost carrier, covering a distance of approximately 10,670 kilometers one way.
The inaugural flight, designated ZG16, departed Narita Airport at 9:53 AM and successfully took off at 10:11 AM after passing through a celebratory water arch courtesy of Narita Airport's fire brigade. Carrying 129 passengers and 13.2 tons of cargo, the flight is expected to meet high demands, particularly from visitors to Japan. Following the trend of ZIPAIR’s service model, the Narita-Houston route aims to capitalize on the growing business and tourist demand.
ZIPAIR President Shingo Nishida expressed optimism during the launch ceremony held at Narita Airport, emphasizing, “Houston is located in Texas, which is experiencing notable population growth and economic development. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport, as the gateway, not only offers extensive domestic networks but is also well-connected internationally, particularly to Central and South America.” He elaborated on the importance of enhancing travel options between Japan and Texas, stating, “We hope to cultivate this route for not only the business community, but also for family members of expatriates and travelers from Japan.”
The new service is particularly targeted at facilitating travel for expatriates and increasing tourist flow from Texas to Japan. Flights will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. ZG16 departs Narita at 10:00 AM, set to arrive at Houston at 6:45 AM, and return flight ZG15 leaves Houston at 8:45 AM arriving back at Narita by 1:50 PM the next day. Overall, the round trip duration is around 28 hours — marking ZIPAIR's first route exceeding 24 hours round trip.
Equipped with Boeing 787-8 aircraft featuring two classes — 18 ZIP Full-Flat seats and 272 Standard economy seats — this flight aims to provide affordable travel options for passengers. Standard fares from Narita begin at 55,250 yen, whereas the ZIP Full-Flat class starts at 188,500 yen. For travelers departing from Houston, standard fares are priced at $425 and the Full-Flat class is set at $1,450.
Highlighting the proliferation of Japanese businesses within Houston, Nishida noted the significance of tapping the regions populous, economically vibrant Texas. Texas is home to many energy, IT, aerospace companies, and ZIPAIR’s route seeks to encourage business travelers among this demographic. The Houston route will also cater to potential connections to Latin America, capitalizing on George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s comprehensive network.
Initial bookings following the inaugural flight have demonstrated strong demand; according to Nishida, about 90% of the passengers on the return trip are expected to be visitors to Japan. There is optimism also about the demand for connecting flights from Houston to Central and South America, reflecting the airline’s strategy to integrate travel routes to accommodate growing market needs.
Beyond business travel, ZIPAIR is set on attracting leisure tourists, including families visiting attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort located in Orlando, Florida. Nishida commented on the potential for promoting cost-effective travel solutions, saying, “Having reasonable options for convenient movement is key for future growth.”
The introduction of Boeing 787-9 aircraft is also part of ZIPAIR's agenda to expand its capacity to provide more ZIP Full-Flat seats, aiming for growth. ZIPAIR currently operates eight 787-8 aircraft, with plans for receiving two more by the first half of fiscal year 2026.
Nishida’s vision includes exploring additional routes to the East Coast of the United States and venues beyond just the West Coast, which had been ZIPAIR’s focus until now. The launch of this service embodies the larger aspirations of connecting Japan with the southern United States and cultivating ties across broader networks.
Overall, the launch of the Narita–Houston service embodies ZIPAIR's strategic efforts to expand its operational footprint and capitalize on burgeoning demand, showcasing the potential for cross-border travel and economic synergy.