ANA Holdings will establish a new business jet operation in partnership with Sojitz, while also signing a separate support deal with Honda Aircraft.
Tokyo-headquartered ANA Business Jet will be established during the northern summer, and be 51% owned by ANA with the remainder held by Sojitz.
The company will offer private jet connections in Japan, North America and Europe to ANA’s scheduled services, as well as direct charter services from Japan to overseas destinations.
“Utilising the strength of ANA's global network that comprises 85 routes to 43 cities, and Sojitz's expertise in travel by private jet, the two companies will offer a new and enhanced traveling experience to its passengers,” says ANA.
Sojitz is a Japanese trading house that also represents Boeing Business Jets and Bombardier business aircraft in the Japanese market. It also offers a diverse fleet of business jets for charter, largely through partnerships with other operators.
Separately, ANA also signed a memorandum of understanding signed with Honda Aircraft, under which the OEM will support aspects of ANA’s feeder and charter flights through global charter operators.
Although no order for the HA-420 HondaJet was announced, it appears likely that ANA Business Jet will operate the type.
"Through this strategic partnership and use of the HondaJet, ANA will create new demand to utilise business jets, in particular for travelers of various Japanese entities who value convenience and privacy in their overseas travel," says ANA Holdings president and chief executive Shinya Katanozaka.
ANA's move into the business jet market comes after rival Japan Airlines launched a private jet connection service at Paris, in association with Dassault Falcon Services last May.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
