Welcome to my Skymark Airlines Trip Report!
This is Skymark's one of the 2 pokemon special livery painted on the airline's Boeing 737-800.
This is JA73NG (Pikachu Jet BC2)
This is JA73AB (Pikachu jet BC1) (Photo: Tsubasa)
Introduction
Skymark has been one of the airlines I wanted to fly for quite a while especially during the period the airline was operating Airbus 330-200 fleet and even ordered a small fleet of Airbus A380. However, the first A380 (in assembly line) didn't make it to the airline's fleet as the airline was facing financial issue due to the Japanese yen dropping significantly against the U.S dollar and there was drama between the airline and Airbus which led to the aircraft failing to deliver to the airline. This, of course makes Airbus angry and some unpleasant actions were taken against Skymark. Fortunately for Airbus, ANA took delivery of 3 A380 but for the other 3, it was dropped out from the order list.
In addition to the weaker currency and the dispute between Skymark and Airbus, the airline decided to retire the fleet of A330 to cut cost and ensure it is able to survive during the Covid period. So with that, the airline went back to operate a single type, the Boeing 737. Since I didn't get the chance to fly the airline's A330, perhaps I might be lucky to fly on one of the Pokemon aircraft, did I get my wish? Do read on to find out.
About Skymark Airlines
Skymark Airlines was founded in November 1996, based in Tokyo Haneda Airport. The airline started commercial service in September 1998 and currently have a fleet of 29 aircraft, Boeing 737-800 model. This airline was the first low-cost airline to establish in Japan and almost went out of business in 2015. Fortunately the airline's creditors agreed to restructure the airline and the airline has investments from different companies including All Nippon Airways. For now, the airline only flies on domestic routes and you can check more about the airline's route on the airline's webpage.
About Fukuoka Airport
Fukuoka Airport was formerly known as Itazuke Air Base, is an international airport for the city, Fukuoka. This airport has two terminals, operating international and domestic flights respectively and has only a single runway (16/34) in operation. Skymark is the main operator of this airport and according to statistics, this is the 4th busiest airport in Japan. As this airport is surrounded by residential areas, there is flight curfew which starts from 2200 to 0700 the following day.
For this trip report, I will be focusing on the domestic terminal.
This is the airport layout (Photo: all-maps.com)
Booking
Like Solaseed Air, there is no mobile app but at least English language is available on the airline's website.
Booking on Japanese domestic flights allow you to make your booking first then pay later. Once you receive your booking, the email will include a deadline date to settle the payment. Foreign credt/debit cards are acceptable and once the deadline passed, your booking will automatically be cancelled.
Seat selection is complimentary.
The website interface is user-friendly and I completed my booking without any issues. Do remember to take note of your reservation number, you need it for check-in.
Do note that web check-in is not available with this airline, so you need to do it at the airport either by the self service kiosk or the check-in desk.
Planespotting at the Domestic Terminal Observation Deck (Landside)
To access to this observation deck, take the escalator or lift up to level 4. The view of the tarmac is absolutely breathtaking and you have full view of both the landing and departure of the aircraft.
However, do note that the observation deck can be closed due to bad weather. The operating hours of this observation deck is 0700 - 2200 daily.
There are 2 levels at the observation deck.
This is the view from the upper level.
The view from the lower level.
Not knowing at that time, this beauty (JA08XJ ) was scheduled to fly me to Tokyo Haneda the following day.
A lot of walking space on the upper level.
This is ANA's Boeing 777-200 featuring the Star Wars special livery.
Japan Airlines A350-900 was a few seconds away from touching down.
Fuji Dream Airlines ERJ-175 (Purple livery)
Starflyer A320ceo
Ibex Airlines CRJ-700 featuring the Musubimaru jet livery
Starflyer A320neo vs Jetstar Japan A320ceo
Skymark B737-800
Jetstar Japan A320ceo vs China Eastern A320ceo vs Japan Transocean Air B737-800
Japan Airlines A350-900
ANA Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
ANA Boeing 777-200 was departing for Tokyo Haneda (NH254).
ANA Boeing 787-10 was departing for Tokyo Haneda. (NH256)
ANA Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had just arrived.
Starflyer A320ceo vs Skymark Boeing 737-800
J-Air ERJ-170
Japan Airlines A350-1000
Japan Airlines Boeing 767-300
Fuji Dream ERJ-175 (Green livery) vs Japan Airlines A350-900
During my time at Fukuoka Airport
The view outside the airport
This is the drop-off point.
The departure area (land side)
Airport WiFi is available (Complimentary).
There are many restaurants and shops located in this terminal.
Some local exhibits on display
This way to the observation deck!
Starbucks - they are everywhere!
Restaurants
Departure hall (landside)
I did a check which aircraft would fly me back to Okinawa, it was JA73NT.
My aircraft just took off at Tokyo Haneda Airport and the flight time is around 1 hr 40 minutes on average from Tokyo Haneda to Fukuoka.
Before I explored the airport, I went to check in for my return flight.
It was almost a full flight.
My boarding pass and receipt for this flight.
Few hours later, I was at the airside departure area.
ANA Suite Lounge (Operating hours: 0600 - 2100 daily)
My flight's assigned gate
Charging ports are limited but you can find them.
I chose to sit near the window to watch the traffic.
Flying on my 120th airline - Skymark Airlines!
My ride: JA73NT
To be able to enjoy such good weather like this during my time in Japan was a blessing.
Boeing 737-86N (leased from Avolon)
Configuration: Y177
Engines: 2 x CFM56
Delivered to airline in May 2013
Age: 11+ years old
4460th Boeing 737
Bulit in Renton (RNT)
Flight route: FUK-OKA
Miles: 536
My seat: 27A (Aerolopa.com)
Date of departure: 25th November 2024
Airline: Skymark
Flight: BC509
Route: FUK-OKA
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Registration: JA73NT
Seat: 27A
Terminal: Domestic
Gate: 4
Load: 100%
Flight time: 1 hr 50 mins
Actual flight time:1 hr 39 mins
Schedule Departure: 1700
Boarding: 1645
Push Back: 1704
Take Off: 1720
Schedule Arrival: 1850
Actual Arrival: 1846
Departure runway: 16
Departure weather: Clear
Arrival runway: 18R
Arrival weather: Cloudy
My inflight experience
Boarding commerced about 15 minutes before departure and it was done according to zone number. Even through it was a full flight, we managed to push back 4 minutes behind our schedule departure. Announcement of the flight was initially in Japanese only, it was only after midway through the flight, then automated English announcment was heard. I guess they realised there was a foreigner on board (me) during the beverage service.
For this aircraft, the seats are comfortable but the legroom space was tight due to an obstructed box taking up some space, limiting my leg movement. For the entertainment option, there isn't any so prepare your own entertainment when flying with this airline.
Inflight service was good and we were given a choice of beverages and I had a cup of water. As for the flight, it was smooth most parts of it, with little bit of bumps at the initial stage of the flight. Although we took off late, we landed on time and just like my previous flight, I enjoyed it.
Economy Class photos
Skymark's 737-800 is configured with 177 seats in a standard 3-3 configuration. The standard seats have a legroom space of 31 inches, while the first row (row 1) and the emergency row seats have slightly better legroom space. All seats have a seat width of 17 inches and with the exception of row 14 and 15, the seats can recline up to 3 inches. These seats are the older product of Recaro and currently being replaced by the newer product Recaro BL3530 is which popular in the current market.
These are the new economy class seats. (Photo: Recaro)
Some of the aircraft have been retrofitted with this new product.
As for my ride, it came with the old product. In terms of seat comfort, I find it to be quite alright.
The old Recaro seats
This is my seat 27A. Legroom space is tighter on this aircraft compared to my previous flight. (31 vs 32 inches).
I do like the colour of the seats, it matches the headrest.
Skymark's cabin featuring the Boeing Sky Interior
These are rows 11, 12 and 14. The number 13 is skipped.
The emergency row offers good amount of legroom space.
The emergency rows
To reserve these seats, I think you need to send in a request at the check-in desk.
More photos of the cabin
The rear of the aircraft
A cabin crew was keeping a look out for anyone needed assistance.
The emergency row seat with the precious legroom space.
Some more photos of the cabin (disembarkment time)
I hope to try out the new cabin perhaps next year and also try again for the Pokemon aircraft.
The blue mood lighting is certainly my favourite.
More photos of the seat
The box (below) decreases the amount of legroom space in my legroom area but no issue for the middle and aisle seatmates.
The universal charging port
It's good to have a sticker to inform the passenger of the existence of the charging port.
Foldable tray table
Safety Card
Inflight magazine
Disposal Bag
Complimentary choice of beverage - I chose a cup of water
Window view photos (Take off to Landing)
Goodbye Fukuoka!
This JAL's A350 was also departing.
Off we go!
V1.... rotate! Positive climb, gears up!
The light was darkening as the time was past 7 in the evening.
Beautiful view of the city.
Soon, we were over the water.
At this point of time, we were on final approach.
\We landed and for this aircraft, there was one more flight (Nagoya) to go before it could rest for the day.
My flight summary
Welcome back to Okinawa!
Thanks for the memories, JA73NT!
Back to the departure hall (domestic airside)
With that, off to the monorail station and it was my last night in this lovely city. I was to fly off to Tokyo Haneda with Japan Airlines the following day.
Hope you enjoy this trip report!
My ratings
Airline's website: 3/5
Airport Experience: 4/5
Inflight Experience: 4/5
Seat Comfort: 3.5/5
Inflight Entertainment: 0/5 (Not Available)
Cabin Ambiance: 5/5
Seat Condition: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Inflight Beverage: 3.5/5
Punctuality: 5/5
Overall rating: 38/50
Percentage: 76%
Conclusion
After my flight experience with this airline, I find Skymark to be quite a good low-cost carrier offering affordable prices similar to Solaseed Air. What I like about the cabin product is the luxurious looking and comfortable seat although the legroom is tight. While there is no inflight entertainment such as WiFi installed available on my flight, there is at least a universal power point which is useful for those needing to complete their day's work with their laptop. What I find it strange is the lack of online check-in but fortunately there is self check-in kiosk otherwise passengers may face long queues waiting to do the check in and also for every flight, English announcement should be made whether or not if there are foreigners on board, this reminds me of the issue I encounter when I flew with some of the South American carriers in 2023. Overall, I enjoyed this flight with Skymark and I certainly recommend this airline.
For my previous trip report (Part 1: Solaseed Air 737-800 OKA-FUK), click here
For my next trip report ( Flying on Japan Airlines A350-900 OKA-HND), coming up soon!
Have a good one!
Charles
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