Japanese LCC Skymark Airlines places Japans first Airbus A380 order, the deal for four Airbus A380 aircraft was sign on Thursday 17 February 2011 at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse France.

At the signing ceremony Shinichi Nishikubo said, “We believe that the A380, the world’s most cost-efficient, modern and environmentally friendly aircraft with cutting-edge technologies, will provide us with a strong competitive advantage and safe operation. We will become the very first Japanese airline to offer our passengers a unique and new experience of flying – more space, more comfort and a quieter cabin. With the four-engined A380, we are free from ETOPS constraints and can provide flexible operations.”

“We are pleased to welcome Skymark as our newest and first Japanese A380 customer,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.  “The A380 is the most eco-efficient solution to allow Japan's air traffic to grow in a capacity constrained environment.”

At present only Singapore Airlines, Air France and Lufthansa fly the Airbus A380 to/from Japan Narita International Airport. From 1 June Korean Air will also be flying to Japan’s Narita International Airport. In addition Singpaore Airlines will be further expanding its Japanese operations with flights from Japan to Los Angeles starting from March 2011.