February 18,
2022
It started with a simple conversation.
Prior to the pandemic, Japan Airlines (JAL) approached Boeing with a vision to launch a low-cost carrier for value-conscious passengers.
With close customer-focused engagement and collaboration early on in the process, Boeing got to work.
Pairing its deep industry knowledge and engineering expertise, Boeing worked with JAL to develop an interiors modification plan to convert two 787-8 Dreamliners from its existing fleet to support the launch of the new carrier. The end result? The successful launch of ZIPAIR Tokyo in 2020.
“These were very comprehensive configurations, but everyone on the Boeing team collaborated closely with us, helping us successfully complete our modification work on the first two airplanes,” said ZIPAIR Tokyo President Shingo Nishida. “The quality and speed of execution during these initial modifications were among the reasons why we chose Boeing to modify additional 787s to the ZIPAIR configuration.”
Nishida added that the 787 fits the airline’s unique LCC business model of operating mid- and long-haul international routes.
Boeing worked with ZIPAIR to develop an optimized, cost-efficient design that maximizes the Dreamliner's unparalleled passenger comforts, with sustainability in mind. The design included reusing many existing commodities, monuments, and materials which not only reduces waste but also helps lower the cost and time span of the modification.
Planning for continued growth as the market recovers, the airline also recently signed an agreement with Boeing to modify two additional Dreamliners.
“As market demand for interior updates continues to grow and more airlines choose Boeing for modification services, we look forward to partnering with our customers to provide the same quality, value and execution we delivered to ZIPAIR on their 787 aircraft,” said Liz Pace, director of Commercial Modifications, Global Services. “Boeing's strong understanding of airline operations and OEM expertise allows us to complete major interiors and overall aircraft modifications more effectively -- enabling our customers to get their airplanes back to service sooner.
“By listening to our customer’s needs through early engagement, we helped develop a solution that allowed ZIPAIR to perform in the specific markets and the business models they require – and always with the ultimate goal in mind of helping them succeed in realizing their vision.”