Vanilla Air
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Founded | November 1, 2013 |
| Defunct | October 26, 2019 |
| Fate | Merged with Peach Aviation |
| Headquarters | Narita, Chiba , Japan |
Area served | Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong |
| Products | Air transport services (low-cost airline) |
| Owner | All Nippon Airways |
| Parent | All Nippon Airways |
Vanilla Air was a Japanese budget airline fully owned by All Nippon Airways, with its main office situated in Terminal 2 of Narita International Airport, Narita, Chiba. The airline discontinued its services in October 2019 following its merger with Peach Aviation.
History
In June 2013, AirAsia withdrew its stake from AirAsia Japan, resulting in the airline becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of ANA. AirAsia Japan continued operating under its original brand until 26 October 2013, after which it was rebranded as Vanilla Air on 1 November 2013. Beginning operations with two aircraft, Vanilla Air aimed to increase its fleet to ten by fiscal year 2015, targeting both domestic and international leisure destinations. It retained all personnel from AirAsia Japan and initially concentrated on short-haul flights, with plans to extend to longer routes later.
The reduction in fleet size led to the closure of the Chubu Centrair International Airport base, although management considered maintaining it as a secondary hub. Before the rebranding, reports highlighted a strategy focused on resort destinations such as Sapporo, Okinawa, Honolulu, Guam, and Saipan. Approximately 70% of the airline's capacity was allocated to international routes to maximize Narita Airport slots by scheduling departures late at night and arrivals early in the morning. This expansion sought to position Vanilla Air as a competitor to Narita-based low-cost carrier Jetstar Japan.
On 20 December 2013, Vanilla Air commenced flights from Narita to Okinawa and Taipei. In December 2014, the airline launched the "Vaniller's Pass," a one-month unlimited travel pass for the Tokyo-Amami route intended primarily for surfing and diving enthusiasts but utilized by a broad range of passengers.
Initially challenged by pilot shortages and operating losses, Vanilla Air recorded its first annual operating profit in the fiscal year ending March 2016, benefiting from low fuel prices and a rise in inbound tourism. In February 2016, it established a second operational base at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport to expand service into Southeast Asia, becoming the first Japanese low-cost carrier to exercise freedoms of the air from a third country.
In June 2017, Vanilla Air faced public scrutiny after an incident where a disabled passenger was required to crawl up stairs to board a flight from Amami to Osaka.
On 22 March 2018, ANA revealed plans to merge its low-cost carriers Peach Aviation and Vanilla Air into a single entity targeting more than 50 aircraft and expanded routes by fiscal year 2020, with projected revenues of ¥150 billion and an operating profit margin of 10%. Following this integration, Vanilla Air ceased operations on 26 October 2019.
Corporate affairs
During its time as AirAsia Japan, the airline's headquarters were located in Shiodome City Center in Minato, Tokyo. Subsequently, the corporate office relocated to Terminal 2 at Tokyo Narita Airport.
Destinations
As of October 2019, prior to merging with Peach Aviation, Vanilla Air operated flights to the following locations:
Fleet
When Vanilla Air merged with Peach Aviation, its fleet consisted of six Airbus A320-200 planes, each designed to accommodate 180 passengers.
The airline took delivery of its initial A320 aircraft on 14 November 2013.
Livery
The aircraft livery of Vanilla Air showcased a predominantly white body complemented by a yellow tail fin. A blue ‘V’ was prominently displayed alongside three white lines arranged to resemble a floral pattern. The name 'Vanilla Air' was positioned above the cabin windows.