JTA Takes Flight Beyond Japan: Launch of the Okinawa (Naha) – Taipei (Taoyuan) Route Marks a New Chapter in the Airline’s History
Japan Transocean Air Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Nozomi Noguchi; hereinafter “JTA”) is proud to announce the official launch of its very first international scheduled route, connecting Okinawa (Naha) and Taipei (Taoyuan). Daily operations for this milestone route will begin on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, marking a historic step forward for the airline as it extends its wings beyond Japan’s borders for the first time.
Tickets for the Okinawa–Taipei route will go on sale starting Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM (JST) through JTA’s official website, travel agencies, and partner channels. This highly anticipated route represents not only a new beginning for JTA, but also an exciting expansion of travel and cultural exchange opportunities between Japan and Taiwan.
A New Gateway Between Okinawa and Taiwan
The new Okinawa (Naha) – Taipei (Taoyuan) service symbolizes JTA’s evolution from a regional carrier into a connector of international destinations. Okinawa and Taipei share geographical proximity—just over an hour and a half by air—making this route a natural bridge between two regions with deep cultural and historical ties.
Okinawa, known for its subtropical climate, turquoise seas, coral reefs, and laid-back island culture, has long been a popular domestic travel destination for Japanese visitors. However, in recent years, it has also captured the hearts of international travelers seeking a unique blend of Japanese and Ryukyuan heritage. The island is home to several UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites, including the lush rainforests of Iriomote Island, and boasts a vibrant local culture evident in its traditional music, crafts, and cuisine.
Taipei, the bustling capital of Taiwan, offers a dynamic mix of modernity and tradition—skyline-defining skyscrapers, bustling night markets, ancient temples, and world-renowned street food. The close distance between Okinawa and Taipei has made travel between the two regions both convenient and culturally meaningful, paving the way for strong tourism, business, and educational exchanges.
Through this new route, JTA aims to provide travelers with a comfortable, reliable, and distinctly Okinawan air travel experience that enhances accessibility and deepens ties between these neighboring regions.
Strengthening Regional and International Connectivity
The new route will also integrate seamlessly with the broader Japan Airlines (JAL) Group network, of which JTA is a member. By doing so, passengers traveling from Taipei will gain easy access to Japan’s major domestic destinations via Okinawa as a connecting hub. For instance, travelers arriving in Okinawa can continue onward to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Ishigaki, Miyako, and other cities serviced by JTA and JAL.
This strategic linkage supports JTA’s mission to make Okinawa a “gateway hub” to Japan’s islands, enhancing both domestic and international tourism flows. Conversely, Japanese travelers from Okinawa and beyond can use the new route to enjoy convenient access to Taipei’s attractions—such as the famed Taipei 101, Shilin Night Market, and the cultural treasures of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
According to JTA President and CEO Nozomi Noguchi, “This route represents a significant milestone in JTA’s history. For decades, our mission has been to connect Okinawa with the rest of Japan. Now, with our first international route, we are honored to extend that mission globally—to connect Okinawa with the world. We hope this service will deepen the friendship between Okinawa and Taiwan, and bring our two cultures closer than ever before.”
Enriching the Travel Experience with Okinawan Spirit
Since its founding, JTA has prided itself on embodying the warm hospitality and cultural heritage of Okinawa through its “Wings of Okinawa” brand identity. This new international service will carry that same spirit to the skies between Okinawa and Taipei.
Onboard, passengers can look forward to experiencing Okinawan-inspired service elements, such as locally sourced refreshments, cabin announcements in Okinawan dialect, and cabin interiors featuring motifs inspired by the islands’ natural beauty. Inflight menus will highlight regional specialties and ingredients, offering travelers a first taste of Okinawa before they even land.
In addition, JTA plans to collaborate with local Okinawan businesses, artists, and tourism organizations to showcase the island’s craftsmanship and culture both in-flight and at the airport. Passengers may encounter touches such as Ryukyuan textiles, music selections featuring sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed lute), and special travel content introducing the best of Okinawa’s heritage.
These efforts align with JTA’s broader commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and regional development. By encouraging visitors from Taiwan to experience Okinawa’s unique environment and culture responsibly, JTA hopes to contribute to the long-term prosperity and preservation of the region’s natural and cultural assets.
Boosting Tourism, Business, and Cultural Exchange
The launch of the Okinawa–Taipei route is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits to both regions. For Okinawa, the direct connection with Taipei will help attract more international visitors, further invigorating local tourism, hospitality, and retail industries.
Conversely, the route opens new opportunities for Okinawan residents, businesses, and students to engage with Taiwan through travel, trade, and educational exchange. Taiwan remains one of Japan’s most important inbound markets, and Okinawa’s geographic position makes it an ideal point of entry for Taiwanese travelers exploring the Japanese archipelago.
Local governments and tourism authorities in both Okinawa and Taiwan have expressed strong support for the new route, recognizing its potential to deepen bilateral cooperation. In recent years, both sides have intensified efforts to strengthen ties in areas such as eco-tourism, cultural exchange, and sustainable regional growth—initiatives that JTA’s new flight will help to facilitate.
Continuing the “Wings of Okinawa” Legacy
For more than half a century, JTA has served as Okinawa’s premier airline, connecting the islands with major cities across Japan under the “Wings of Okinawa” brand. Since its establishment, the airline has focused on safety, reliability, and heartfelt service that reflects Okinawa’s welcoming spirit.
This first international route is a natural extension of that legacy—a continuation of JTA’s mission to bring people together, now reaching beyond Japan’s borders. The airline views this expansion not simply as a business opportunity, but as a cultural bridge that embodies the values of friendship, openness, and exchange that Okinawa has long represented in the Asia-Pacific region.
President Noguchi emphasized, “Our goal is not only to transport passengers, but to share the heart of Okinawa with the world. Whether it’s the warmth of our people, the beauty of our islands, or the flavors of our cuisine, we want every traveler to feel the essence of Okinawa from the moment they step on board.”
As JTA celebrates this historic milestone, the airline remains committed to pursuing further growth and innovation while staying rooted in its Okinawan identity. The success of the Okinawa–Taipei route may pave the way for additional international destinations in the future, expanding JTA’s role as a connector between Okinawa and the world.
In anticipation of strong demand, JTA encourages travelers to secure tickets early once sales begin in December 2025. The airline also plans to introduce special promotional fares, commemorative merchandise, and joint campaigns with tourism partners to celebrate the inaugural flight.
Through this expansion, Japan Transocean Air aims to reaffirm its mission: to connect people, cultures, and islands through the skies—continuing to serve as the pride of Okinawa and a bridge of friendship across Asia.
Japan Transocean Air Co., Ltd., headquartered in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a member of the Japan Airlines (JAL) Group. Since its establishment, JTA has operated domestic routes primarily linking Okinawa with major Japanese cities and surrounding islands. With a commitment to safety, hospitality, and regional contribution, JTA continues to deliver exceptional service while promoting the charm and cultural richness of Okinawa both domestically and abroad.