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JAL to launch new low-cost carrier

May 15 (NHK) - Japan Airlines is launching a low-cost carrier that will offer mid- to long-distance international flights. The company's executives hope to have it off the ground around the summer of 2020, when Tokyo hosts the Olympics and Paralympics.

The firm announced on Monday that it will set up the new entity as early as July.

Officials say the new airline will fly 2 planes from Narita airport near Tokyo to major cities in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

They plan to keep costs low by selling tickets online and by offering more seats than on regular international flights.

Japan Airlines already operates a low-cost carrier, Jetstar Japan, in partnership with an Australian company.

Japan Airlines President Yuji Akasaka pointed out that there is a limit to how many foreign visitors the airline can carry with short-haul flights alone. He said there is definitely a need for a casual and comfortable way to travel for people living farther away.

Rival ANA Holdings plans to expand its low-cost routes by merging its subsidiaries Peach Aviation and Vanilla Air by the end of March 2020.

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