After 57 years, Japan Transocean Air launches its first international flight
November 2, 2025
Japan Transocean Air (JTA), which operates domestic services on behalf of Japan Airlines, is set to embark on its first international operation with a new daily route connecting Okinawa (Naha) and Taipei (Taoyuan).
The regional carrier headquartered in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, is set to offer scheduled international services commencing on 3 February 2026.
JTA pivots after 57 years as a domestic carrier
This marks a significant turning point for JTA, which has historically focused on domestic connections under its “Wings of Okinawa” brand.
The new Okinawa–Taipei link will strengthen tourism and business ties between the Japanese archipelago and Taiwan while providing a convenient option for travellers across the East China Sea.
The route is also integrated with the JAL Group’s domestic and international network, allowing passengers to connect smoothly to other destinations across Japan via Naha.
One of the most significant benefits of the new service is improved access to Okinawa’s remote islands, including Kumejima and Miyakojima, which are renowned for their natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Previously, reaching these islands from Taiwan required multiple transfers, but the Naha–Taipei route now makes such travel far more accessible.
JTA, together with the JAL Group, operates a domestic network from Naha, enabling passengers to combine international travel with exploration of the islands.
Its current domestic network from Okinawa (Naha) includes flights to:
- Tokyo (Haneda)
- Nagoya (Chubu)
- Komatsu
- Osaka (Kansai)
- Okayama
- Fukuoka
- Kumejima
- Miyakojima
- Ishigakijima
Five decades linking Okinawa with the mainland
Over the decades, JTA has modernised its fleet, historically operating Boeing 737-200s and Boeing 737-400s and now 14 Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The carrier operates a current fleet of 14 of the -800 variant, which are deployed on its domestic and soon-to-be-operated international services. Its 737-800s have an average age of 8.6 years.
Established on 20 June 1967, with operations commencing 10 days later on 1 July, JTA has long operated domestic services connecting Okinawa with key Japanese cities and islands.
The airline was originally founded to provide regional air connectivity within Okinawa and between the Ryukyu Islands and Japan’s main islands, playing a vital role in linking remote communities and supporting local economic development.
Reliable scheduled air services linking Okinawa’s islands had long been a pressing need, and Japan Airlines (JAL), which already operated international flights to and from Naha, took the initiative to address it.
Working in partnership with the Ryukyu Government and the US Civil Administration, JAL helped create the conditions for a private carrier to operate in the region.
This collaboration resulted in the formation of Nansei Airlines in 1967, a joint venture between JAL and local Okinawan companies.
It held the name Nansei Airlines, Japanese for “Southwest”, until 1993.
JTA in numbers
JTA has continued to demonstrate steady growth. As of March 31, 2025, the airline employed 926 staff members.
In 2024, JTA reported an operating revenue of 50.7 billion yen (£247 million), generating an operating profit of 2.9 billion yen, up from 2.2 billion yen in 2023 and a modest 140 million yen in 2022.
In 2024, JTA transported 3,387,000 passengers, compared with 3,105,000 in 2023 and 2,384,000 in 2022.
Cargo and mail performance has been consistent, handling 21,996 tons in 2024, slightly lower than previous years but maintaining robust logistics operations.
Celebrating its Okinawan roots
JTA has long sought to give passengers a sense of Okinawa even before they land.
The airline has incorporated elements of the islands’ culture across its services, from in-flight announcements to cabin crew attire.
Announcements are made in Shimakutuba, the Okinawan dialect, introducing travellers to the local language.
During the summer, flight attendants wear Kariyushi shirts, a traditional garment that reflects the region’s heritage.
Passengers can also explore Okinawa through the airline’s in-flight magazine, Coralway, in publication since 1985, which features stories and insights about the islands.
Onboard music and ambient sounds are similarly selected to evoke Okinawa’s atmosphere.
Featured image: Steven Byles, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org
