TOKYO, March 22 (Xinhua) -- ANA Holdings Inc. said Thursday it plans to integrate its low-cost carrier (LCC) partners in a bid to meet rising demand from increased tourist traffic to Japan and boost outbound flights as part of its growth strategy.

ANA Chief Executive Officer Shinya Katanozaka told a press briefing on the matter that the time was ripe to merge its LCC affiliates Peach Aviation Ltd. and Vanilla Air Inc.

"To quickly develop new business fields, meet strong demand from visitors to Japan and expand low-cost middle-distance flights for our future growth, we decided that this is the best time for integration," Katanozaka was quoted as saying Thursday.

The planned consolidation is slated to be operational by the end of fiscal 2019, with the merger beginning in the latter half of fiscal 2018, ANA said.

ANA also said it is planning a foray into the LCC middle-distance market in Asia, as market demand in this region continues to grow.