Amakusa Airlines which took delivery last August of the first ATR 42-600 to be operated in the Japanese market, has used it to start two new routes on 20 February. The airline, which takes its name from the city that it serves (located on an island in southern Japan) has begun daily flights between Amakusa (AXJ) and nearby Kumamoto (KMJ), and between Kumamoto and Osaka Itami (ITM). The former faces no competition as no other carrier serves Amakusa. However, the latter 475-kilometre route is served by All Nippon Airways (six daily flights) and Japan Airlines (thrice-daily flights). Amakusa Airlines’ only other route is a thrice-daily service between Amakusa and Fukuoka.

Amakusa Airlines celebrated the start of services with its new ATR 42-600 (named Mizoka) and two new services on 20 February. It previously flew a Dash 8-100. Ribbon-cutting and mascots we are familiar with from Japan, but what’s Santa Claus doing there?

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AMAKUSA AIRLINES - ATR 42-600 - JA01AM

Kobayashi - Taoyuan (Taipei) - Taiwan International - Taiwan      

Amakusa Airlines adds maiden ATR42

Amakusa Airlines (AHX, Kumamoto) has taken delivery of its first - and Japan's first - ATR42-600 manufacturer Avions de Transport Régional (Toulouse Blagnac) has disclosed. 

Sourced from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), JA01AM (cn 1202) will be used to replace the ANA - All Nippon Airways (NH, Tokyo Haneda) subsidiary's sole aircraft, a 16 year-old Dash 8-100 used on flights connecting Amakusa with Kumamoto, Fukuoka, and Osaka Kansai.

Japan's Amakusa Airlines to replace Dash 8-100 with an ATR42

Amakusa Airlines intends to replace its sole aircraft - a Dash 8-100, JA81AM (cn 537) - with an ATR42-600 sourced from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC).