JETSTAR Japan will commence domestic operations by the end of 2012, and expects to fly from Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka (Kansai International).

The new low-cost carrier (LCC) is considering Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa as its next destinations, and shorthaul international services to key Asian cities are also in the works.

The carrier will launch with an initial fleet of three new 180-seat Airbus A320s in a single-class configuration. This will grow to 24 aircraft within its first few years of operation.

The Qantas Group, Japan Airlines (JAL) and Mitsubishi Corporation each hold a one-third share in Jetstar Japan.

JAL president Masaru Onishi said the partnership with Jetstar was a two-airline strategy that would allow the Japanese flag carrier to serve a larger portion of the Japanese market.

"We are confident that Jetstar Japan will broaden the spectrum of travellers as it creates new demand in this market," he said. “It will encourage even more movement of people within the country, and also increase the number of visitors from Asia to Japan."

Jetstar, the first LCC to enter Japan in 2007, currently flies longhaul services from both Tokyo and Osaka to Cairns and the Gold Coast in Australia. It also operates shorthaul services from Singapore (via Taipei) to Osaka through Jetstar Asia.