AirAsia Japan, the Japanese affiliate of the world's best low-cost carrier, is back in business with its maiden service from Nagoya to Sapporo.

The twice-daily service will commence on 29 October 2017, connecting Nagoya - AirAsia Japan's main hub - to the capital of northern Hokkaido prefecture.

To celebrate this occasion, AirAsia is offering guests a special promotional fare from only JPY5* from 17 October 2017 (0001h GMT +9) to 22 October 2017 (2359h GMT +9) for travel between 29 October 2017 and 24 March 2018.

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, "It's great to be back in Japan. It hasn't been easy, and I want to thank my partners Rakuten, Octave, Noevir and Alpen for their support and patience. Many people thought we would give up and not bother but we owe it to the people of Japan and our staff to keep going. This took a long time but, like good wine, all good things take time and we are off the taxiway and ready to take off.

"Japan is a fantastic market with amazing people, culture and food, but one that has been underserved in the budget segment for too long. I believe Japan is ready for a true low-cost experience, and AirAsia will be at the forefront of that revolution, starting with today's route launch. With new partners who share our vision, I have no doubt that AirAsia is poised to become an important part of how people fly in Japan."

AirAsia Japan CEO Osamu Hata said, "It is a great pleasure to announce AirAsia Japan's first route from Nagoya to Sapporo is open for sale. We are honoured to be the first airline to be based in Nagoya's Chubu Centrair International Airport and we are committed to connecting as many guests as possible at low fares to AirAsia's extensive network, as well as bridging communities and cultures for the benefit of the local economy."

AirAsia Japan is a joint venture between AirAsia Berhad, Rakuten Inc, Octave Japan Infrastructure Fund I GK, Noevir Holdings Co Ltd and Alpen Co Ltd. The airline operates two A320-200 aircraft from its hub at Nagoya's Chubu Centrair International Airport.

Keep up to date with AirAsia news, activities and promotions on Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia).

* One-way base fare inclusive of sales tax and excluding airport taxes and fees. Terms and conditions apply.

Flight Schedule for Nagoya (NGO) to Sapporo (CTS)