Airport News Japan

Free iPhone App “Ekitan” Finds and Reserves Open Seats on Domestic Routes

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iPhone／iPod touch APP "Ekitan Hikoukijikokuhyou Kokunaisen."

Ekitan, a Chuo Ward, Tokyo-based company that provides navigation services such as railway information, began offering a free app for the iPhone 3G and iPod Touch in mid-June The app, called Ekitan Hikoukijikokuhyou Kokunaisen (meaning “Ekitan Domestic Route Airplane Timetable”), allows users to search for domestic flights in Japan and reserve seats.

Using the app, routes and flights can be selected by touching a map of Japan or a list of airports displayed on the screen. It can also inquire about open seats and make reservations. The app can be used even if not connected to a mobile 3G or WLAN network, as the timetable data is stored in the app itself, although a connection is required to make a reservation. Included is a “Create Memo” function for flights chosen by the user, and the app can also confirm boarding times and make comparisons between a multiple number of flights saved with “Create Memo.”.

In addition to displaying flight details on the inquiry results screen, the user can select and access official airline websites and maps of areas around airports. An airport-bound train route search service is also offered to users of the company’s Ekitan Express: Norikae Annai (“Transfer Information”).

The app can be downloaded from the iTunes Store and the App Store for the iPhone 3G and iPod Touch. It requires iPhone OS 2.2.1 or later. For the moment, only All Nippon Airways (ANA) is offering support for the reservation and open seat inquiry services.

Ekitan (Japanese)iTunes