Two airlines, Hokkaido-based Air Do and Kyushu-based Solaseed Air, jointly established a holding company on the 3rd.
Due to the impact of the new coronavirus, both companies have ended up in the red for two years in a row, and in a difficult business situation, the challenge is whether the integration of regional airlines can produce concrete results.
The two companies established a joint holding company "Regional Plus Wings" on the 3rd, and a commemorative ceremony was held at Haneda Airport where the head office is located.
Susumu Kusano, president of Air Do, said, "The company name contains the idea of adding new value with two wings that are rooted in the community. I want to offer a trip," he said.
In addition, Kosuke Takahashi, president of Solaseed Air, said, "We would like to bring together our strengths to provide new services."
Then, I saw off an Air Do flight to New Chitose and a Solaseed Air flight to Naha on the tarmac.
Even after the integration, the two companies will maintain their independence, including their brands and route development policies.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, both companies are in a difficult business situation with final losses for two consecutive years until last year.
Through the merger, the two companies, whose major shareholders are the Development Bank of Japan and ANA Holdings, will consolidate headquarters functions such as finance and IT, as well as aircraft maintenance. We aim to improve the profitability of
However, the specific schedule and measures for cost reduction will be considered in the future, and the issue is whether the integration of regional airlines can improve convenience for passengers and produce concrete results. .
Work consolidation Collaboration schedule to be considered in the future
Susumu Kusano, president of Air Do, who was appointed chairman of the joint holding company, told reporters after the ceremony, "While maintaining the uniqueness of both companies' brands and aviation businesses, we will share operations as much as possible to strengthen our management foundation. For example, we would like to increase sales by developing customers in the Tokyo metropolitan area, which is a common commercial area for both companies, and we would like to contribute even more to Hokkaido."
When asked if there were any plans to expand the framework of the joint holding company to airlines in other regions, he said, "At the moment, we are concentrating on strengthening the management foundations of the two companies, and we are not considering expanding to other companies. No,” he said.
In addition, Kosuke Takahashi, president of Solaseed Air, who became the president of the joint holding company, said, "The two companies are still separate airlines, but we would like to collaborate in various fields such as passenger services and maintenance to reduce costs. We will continue to do so. , We would like to create value together with the local community as 'the wing of Kyushu and Okinawa.'"
On the other hand, regarding the specific schedule and content of work consolidation and collaboration, he said, ``It is necessary to coordinate safety and with the authorities, and we are not at a stage to say what will be done, when and where.'' He indicated his intention to proceed with concrete examinations.