it's educating the local population that it's cheap to fly* compared to old times. LCC Japan are cheaper than the Shinkansen
...and it will have to continue to be a
lot cheaper because the Shinkansen is generally a
lot more convenient when one considers that it generally goes from CBD to CBD rather than airport to airport, which usually entails:
- extra transit time just to get to/from the airport,
- huge cab costs if that's your preferred mode,
- time allowance for lengthier checkin procedures,
- time allowance for security procedures, and
- arguably greater likelihood of weather or other delays.
Time will tell if it's really a market for hundreds of LCC A320s. I think there is a
lot of life in the Shinkansens yet!
