AirAsia, the low-cost Malaysian carrier, plans to turn Japan into a hub for budget air travel in East Asia by increasing routes from Nagoya, its Japanese base, and expand pilot training, Nikkei Asian Review reports. The budget carrier also looks ready to throw its support behind the Mitsubishi Regional Jet, Japan’s first passenger plane project since the 1960s, which faces financial strain after repeated delays, by buying jets from the company. Business expansion aside, Air Asia is expected to register subdued earnings for the quarter ended Sept 30, 2018, mainly due to a weaker passenger load factor during the period, according to the Star Online.