Japanese electronics retailer Bic Camera and engineering firm Sekisui House have announced plans to acquire equity in Spring Airlines Japan (Tokyo Narita) ahead of the launch of flights to China early next year.

The Nikkei Asian Review states Bic Camera could secure 6% of the LCC's voting stake for JPY1 billion (USD8.17 million) as early as this month while Sekisui House is looking to invest JPY3 billion (USD24.51 million) for an 18% share by the end of March.

Under their respective deals, Bic Camera would gain the right to hawk its products to passengers on Spring Airlines Japan flights for a substantial discount. In addition, it may also be allocated seats for promotional use.

For its part, Sekisui House is looking to partner Spring Airlines (9C, Shanghai Hongqiao) and its parent China Spring Group in opening a chain of budget hotels in Japan under the Spring Sunny Hotel brand. The project is a joint venture between the Chinese firm and a Japanese real estate management company, Sun Frontier Fudousan. Through the initiative, Sekisui House will contribute its expertise in site selection and infrastructural development among other areas.