AirJapan and ZIPAIR Compete in the Singapore-Tokyo Route
Starting in November 2025, AirJapan will transition to daily flights between Singapore (SIN) and Tokyo Narita (NRT), enhancing its route capacity by 40%. Meanwhile, ZIPAIR plans to reduce its service on the same route to five weekly flights from January to March 2026. Both low-cost airlines are intensifying their efforts in the Singapore-Tokyo market, providing travelers with distinct offerings: AirJapan targets budget-conscious passengers with a full economy setup, while ZIPAIR offers a mix, including flat-bed seats for business travelers.
AirJapan Enhances Daily Service
A subsidiary of All Nippon Airways, AirJapan, will launch daily flights on the Singapore-Tokyo route on November 21, 2025. Initially opened in April 2024, the route will see this daily service supported by an additional Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The original schedule, operating five times weekly, skips certain mid-week days.
- Departures from Singapore at 00:55, arriving in Tokyo at 08:40
- Departures from Tokyo at 17:05, arriving in Singapore at 23:45
The daily flights, with consistent timings, aim to fill existing schedule gaps, providing early morning arrivals and convenient late-evening departures.
Aircraft and Pricing Details
AirJapan’s Boeing 787-8 is configured with 324 economy seats offering a 32-inch pitch, aligning with Singapore Airlines’ legroom standards. The seats, refurbished from ANA aircraft, are 17.5 inches wide. “Simple” fares begin at S$225 from Singapore to Tokyo and S$194 for return trips, inclusive of a 7kg carry-on allowance. Additional charges are applicable for seat selection, checked baggage, and meals, emphasizing affordability.
ZIPAIR’s Capacity Adjustment
ZIPAIR, Japan Airlines’ budget subsidiary, will scale back its Singapore to Tokyo service to five weekly flights between January 7 and March 11, 2026. The reduction marks a temporary shift from ZIPAIR’s daily service operation since March 2023, allowing the airline to prioritize higher-yield routes. The service will return to daily flights post-March 12, 2026.
- Flights from Singapore at 00:40, arriving in Tokyo at 08:25
- Flights from Tokyo at 16:35, arriving in Singapore at 23:10
ZIPAIR’s Seating and Fares
ZIPAIR’s Boeing 787-8 includes 18 “ZIP Full-Flat” seats in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration, alongside Recaro CL3710 economy seats in a 3-3-3 layout. Basic economy fares match AirJapan’s starting at S$225, with full-flat seat fares starting at S$696 outbound. Add-ons such as meals and checked baggage incur extra costs. ZIPAIR offers packages ranging from Basic to Premium, allowing passengers to customize their travel experience.
Future Outlook and Market Impact
With a rise in weekly flights by March 2026, from 110 to 124, the Singapore-Tokyo route will accommodate a broad range of airlines like Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Scoot, AirJapan, and ZIPAIR. Post-pandemic, low-cost carriers such as AirJapan and ZIPAIR are diversifying the options available, previously dominated by full-service airlines. AirJapan’s strategy highlights robust demand for budget-friendly travel, while ZIPAIR’s scaling down demonstrates a focus on maximizing profitability.
