A Japanese domestic carrier, Starflyer, has launched a month-long unlimited pass valid for flights between the Japanese capital and Kitakyushu, the airline's base city, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Unlimited flights for just $285
The flight pass is valid for flights operated between Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) and Kitakyushu Airport (KKJ). According to data from Flightradar24.com, Starflyer operates daily flights from Tokyo to Kitakyushu. Therefore, with the unlimited pass priced at $285 per month, passengers will be able to commute between the two cities on a daily basis.
It is worth mentioning that the month-long pass comes at the cost of 40,000 yen ($285) for individuals under the age of 26, whereas older individuals can purchase the same unlimited flight pass for 150,000 yen (approximately $1000). According to the airline, the Star Pass does not qualify for mileage accrual and online check-in. Additionally, the Star Pass is non-refundable.
Starflyer has set its sights on domestic travelers seeking an unlimited flight pass between the two cities. According to the report, the airline's strategic focus on workers who frequently commute between these destinations is believed to be influenced by the changing patterns of people's commuting habits in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starflyer made the campaign announcement on April 14, stating that they have received 550 applications for the pass.
It is not the first time Starflyer has offered a cost-effective initiative in the form of a monthly flight subscription, aiming to save passengers money. Previously, they offered a service that included flights between Tokyo and Fukuoka, along with rental accommodation bundled into the package.
More about Starflyer
Established in 2002, Starflyer is characterized as a hybrid airline, offering a superior level of service compared to low-cost carriers while at the same time maintaining lower operating costs than traditional full-service airlines.
The airline was initially established as Kobe Airlines with the intention of being headquartered at Kobe Airport. However, one year after its inception, the airline underwent a name change to Starflyer and relocated its base to Kitakyushu. It is worth noting that the domestic carrier commenced its first commercial flight a mere four years after its foundation.
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The Japanese airline focuses its efforts on domestic operations and presently serves six destinations, including Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Ube, Fukuoka, and Kitakyushu. Interestingly, the airline ventured into international flights with a launch between Kitakyushu, Nagoya, and Taipei. However, its international service has been temporarily suspended, at least until October 2023.
When it comes to the fleet composition of the airline, Starflyer operates a single type of aircraft in its fleet. As it stands, Starflyer currently has a total of 11 Airbus A320-200 aircraft in its fleet, with an average age of 8.6 years, according to Planespotters.net data.
What are your thoughts about the idea of a month-long unlimited flight pass? Would you consider this as a travel option? Let us know in the comments section below.
Sources: Bloomberg, Flightradar24.com, Planespotters.net