The Sapporo Okadama flight of Toki Air, a new airline based at Niigata Airport, went into service on January 31st, and the first flight took off from Niigata Airport in the presence of related parties. This is the first time in 15 years that a scheduled flight by an airline not affiliated with a major airline has started in Japan, and expectations are high for its economic effects.
``Toki Air'' was established four years ago as a regional airline based at Niigata Airport, and its launch was repeatedly postponed due to the need for time to coordinate with the government, but it will begin service on the 31st. I did.
A commemorative ceremony was held in the airport lobby just after 8 a.m., and Niigata Prefecture Governor Hideyo Hanazumi said, ``This is not a goal, but a start.I want the line to grow into a line that is loved and trusted by passengers.'' ” he greeted.
Next, Toki Air President Masaki Hasegawa said, ``Today, we are finally able to celebrate the launch date.We would like to contribute to the revitalization of Niigata.''
A male passenger in his 50s said, ``I was able to get a ticket while on the waiting list.I live in Niigata for work, but I have a home in Sapporo, so I was looking forward to the flight.''
The first flight, carrying approximately 70 passengers, took off from Niigata Airport heading for Okadama Airport shortly after 9:30 a.m., with officials watching.
This is the first time in 15 years that regular flights have been launched in Japan by an airline that is not part of a major airline, and expectations are high for the economic benefits of this service.
President of Toki Air: “First, stabilize the Okadama route and expand the route.”
In an interview after the ceremony, Toki Air President Hasegawa said, ``First of all, we would like to stably fly the Okadama route, which has now been launched, and then proceed with the expansion of routes.We will carefully overcome each issue and develop it. I want to do it," he said.