PHASING OUT OF B747-400D 

In a new press release, Nipponway Air mentioned that in the long term, it will be phasing out its B747-400D operation at Kota Kinabalu Airport into all A380-800 operation. With the brand new A380-800 fleet, Nipponway Air will be able to serve destinations that the range of B747-400D cannot provide.

The retirement of B747-400D will start from end of 4Q 2017 and will extend till 1Q 2018. Scooty Air will acquire current Nipponway Air's Singapore - Kota Kinabalu, which will likely replace Singapore - Kuching.

Even with the increase in range of the A380-800, Nipponway Air mentioned that it will still operate short haul destinations such as to India, Japan and China. Fleet count of A380-800 based at Kota Kinabalu Airport will not be more than 8, a requirement stated from the airport authorities. Currently there is an A380-800 based at Kota Kinabalu, serving Kota Kinabalu - Omsk. 4 will be used to replace the current routes served by B747-400D and another 2 to 3 will be used as expansion aircrafts to new destinations such as Russia.