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All Nippon Airways returns to Sydney

Sydneysiders heading to Japan will have more air choice from December this year as All Nippon Airways (ANA) confirms its return to Australia.

Sydneysiders heading to Japan will have more air choice from December this year as All Nippon Airways (ANA) confirms its return to Australia.

Returning for the first time since 1999, the airline said it will commence daily flights from Tokyo to Sydney from 11 December.

Utilising its Boeing 787-9, the addition of ANA flights will add 215 seats on the route – 48 business; 21 premium economy; and 146 economy.

The announcement comes as Japan welcomes a 22 percent increase in Australian visitors per year.

All Nippon Airyways

Visitor numbers during December last year were up 24 percent compared to 2013 to reach around 37,600.

In January this continued to climb to 48,583 – up 30 percent year-on-year.

And in February the 30,300 arrivals was an increase of 14 percent over the same month last year.

ANA boss, Osamu Shinobe said the return to Australia is part of the airline’s plan to expand its footprint in Oceania.

All Nippon Airyways

“Our most comfortable seating and the optimised in-cabin humidity and air pressure of Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner should be especially good news for overnight travellers.”

Osamu Shinobe, ANA CEO

Meanwhile, in addition to adding seats on the route it will also increase air competition between the two destinations.

Currently, Qantas, Japan Airlines and Jetstar are the only airlines operating on the route.

Sydney Airport’s CEO says the new flights will also help drive more tourism into NSW.

“Japan has been Sydney’s fastest growing international destination for Australians over the past three years, so this new service will also offer more choice to Australians travelling to Japan for business and leisure.”

Kerrie Mather, Sydney Airport CEO

What are your thoughts on ANA’s return?