briefs

AirAsia Japan has announced the nation’s lowest one-way fares for three domestic routes, including Narita-Sapporo for just ¥4,580 (Bt1,854).

The domestic low-cost carrier (LCC), backed by All Nippon Airways, announced last week its fares for the Narita-Sapporo, Narita-Fukuoka and Narita-Naha routes, effective from August.

The prices are lower than those of JetStar Japan, an LCC backed by Japan Airlines, and will likely further intensify competition among LCCs, industry observers said.

AirAsia set the fares for the Narita-Sapporo and Narita-Fukuoka routes, to begin August 1, at ¥4,580 and ¥5,180 respectively. The fare for the Narita-Okinawa route, to begin August 3, is ¥6,680.

The ticket prices are ¥10 to ¥410 less than fares set by Jetstar.

In response, Jetstar – scheduled to begin flights in July – plans to reduce its fares for the routes by ¥100 to ¥500 in an effort to offer lower prices than AirAsia.

“It’s to better realise cost-cutting efforts, not a competition with other airlines,” said AirAsia Japan president Kazuyuki Iwakata. – The Daily Yomiuri/ANN

 

Nike to divest two brands 

Nike Inc intends to divest two of its wholly owned affiliate brands – Cole Haan and Umbro – to sharpen its focus on driving growth in the Nike, Jordan, Converse and Hurley brands.

“We see tremendous opportunity to accelerate profitable growth around the world by continuing to deliver innovation and inspire consumers through the Nike brand,” Mark Parker, president and CEO, said last week. “We also see significant potential in Jordan, Converse and Hurley, which have unique consumer relationships that complement the Nike brand.

Cole Haan, which specialises in casual and dress leather footwear and bags, was acquired by Nike in 1988. The company is based in New York. Umbro is a soccer specialist brand based in Manchester, UK, acquired by Nike in 2008. The process of divesting these two businesses will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by the end of Nike’s fiscal year ending May 31, 2013. – The Nation

 

ING launches two new policies 

ING has developed two life insurance policies to serve people needing short-term savings and high coverage.

For short-term savings and long-term protection lovers, ING Life is offering Quick Cash 5/3 with a three-year premium payment period, five-year protection period and attractive return. This product is targeted at short-term savers.

For long-term protection, ING Value Protector 90/10 comes with a 10-year premium payment period and high and long-term protection coverage until the age of 90. It also has additional personal accidental protection until 65. – The Nation

 

Eco-friendly food 

Ampol Food has highlighted green innovations in response to global trends with the introduction of eco-friendly production and distribution processes.

Kriengsak Theppadungporn, managing director of Ampol Food Processing Co, said last week that consumers in foreign countries, particularly Europe, are now becoming health conscious. They are looking for chemical-free food and also eco-friendly products. They favour entrepreneurs who are environmentally responsible. And more consumers appreciate the home-sweet-home value. They are the type that will rush home for meals with their family. 

Ampol Food is emphasising its green policy by integrating its green policy into its production and marketing processes. 

It has also procured eco-friendlier materials under the AP Green Innovation concept.

 – The Nation