A Starflyer is Born

Ongoing concerns over fuel costs and aviation security make this an interesting time to be starting an airline, but StarFlyer ( www.starflyer.jp ), a new Japanese carrier, is hoping that its combination of no-frills reservation procedures and slick cabin environments will help it win customers in a cutthroat market. A seat on the company's Airbus A320s can only be purchased online or via a cell phone (assuming, in the latter case, that you're hooked up to a Japanese telecoms provider). Once on board, passengers enjoy a chic, black interior and an Internet connection in every seat. Personal video screens, coat hooks,...