Announced Divorce But Still Held “Wedding” – AirAsia’s Inaugural Flight to Tokyo Serves Baozi Feast

Travel Center / Taipei Report

Even after announcing a “divorce,” the wedding still went ahead as planned. A Malaysian low-cost airline recently announced the launch of its new Tokyo Narita–Taipei Taoyuan route and introduced promotional fares that sparked a buying frenzy online. It then announced it would terminate its partnership with a Japanese airline, with the jointly operated route running until the end of October. However, today (3rd), the new route had its inaugural flight as scheduled, serving a limited-edition “Chinese baozi” dish with local Taiwanese flavors as the celebratory meal for the occasion.


▲The cabin crew welcomed the first passengers on the Taipei–Tokyo route together today. (Photo / Provided by AirAsia)

The Tokyo–Taipei route is the third international route launched by Japan Asia Airways. Regarding the inauguration of this new route, Osamu Odagiri, Executive Chairman and CEO of Japan Asia Airways, said: “Taipei is a city full of charm. I find myself wanting to revisit and experience its allure even more deeply.” To celebrate the official inaugural flight of the Tokyo–Taipei route, Japan Asia Airways has launched a summer-exclusive dish, the “Chinese baozi,” which will be exclusively available on all Japan Asia Airways flights (flight code: JW) for a period of two months, from now until August 31.


▲CEO Osamu Odagiri (center) welcomes the first passengers at Taoyuan Airport. (Photo / Provided by AirAsia)


▲The exclusive-in-flight “Chinese baozi.” (Photo / Provided by AirAsia)

To allow passengers to enjoy hot “Chinese baozi” on board, Japan Asia Airways worked closely with chefs to develop the filling flavors and bread texture. This creative dish is adapted from the preparation method of Peking duck. Carefully selected chicken cutlets are marinated in a specially made sweet bean sauce with Peking duck flavors, then roasted before being placed inside a freshly baked bun. The aroma is rich, and the flavor is unique. Passengers do not need to make an online reservation — they can purchase and enjoy this heartwarming Taiwanese-style dish directly on the plane.

Regarding the earlier announcement that AirAsia would terminate its partnership with All Nippon Airways in Japan, AirAsia also stated that all passengers who have already purchased tickets for flights to Tokyo on Japan Asia Airways can still fly to Tokyo at the originally booked fare and schedule. Passengers who have already bought tickets for the Taoyuan–Tokyo route need not worry about their travel plans being affected — the flights will continue operating until the end of October.