JAPAN. Fuel surcharges applied by Japanese airlines on international flights look set to rise to their highest levels since these charges were first introduced in January 2005. That’s according to Travel Journal International (TJI) Online, which has reported on likely price hikes among Japanese carriers in the period from January through to March 2008.
The move is expected to dampen an already weak outbound travel market among Japanese consumers.
Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways currently collect Y13,000 (US$115) for US and Europe-bound flights and Y9,900 (US$88) for Hawaii-bound flights on a one-way basis for tickets issued during the October-December period.
But recent price rises for oil are expected to push this surcharge even higher in the next quarter, to Y17,000 (US$150) for the US, Europe and Oceania routes and to Y12,500 (US$110) for Hawaiian routes.
Fuel surcharges have hit the Hawaiian outbound market in particular, reported TJI Online. The revised surcharge, it said, is likely to heavily influence travellers’ choice of destination and could dissuade many Japanese from opting for Hawaiian holidays in early 2008.
Editor’s note: The Moodie Report works closely with TJI Online, the pre-eminent provider of information on the Japanese travel industry. Week in, week out, it provides timely and sharp analysis of the all-important Japanese travel market – international and domestic. To subscribe go to http://tji/tjinet.co.jp. It comes with our highest recommendation.
MORE STORIES ON JAPANESE TRAVEL
Japanese outbound travel numbers are unlikely to surpass 2006 levels, says JNTO – 31/10/07
Long-haul choices miss out as Japanese opt to travel closer to home – 16/10/07
Soft final quarter for Japanese travel? – 11/10/07
JTB survey shows strong autumn travel demand among Japanese consumers – 03/10/07
