JCAS Airways applies for air transport license with 2028 launch target

JCAS Airways, a regional airline startup based in Osaka, has applied for an air transport business license with the Osaka Regional Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

The company has rescheduled its planned launch to March 2028, following previous delays from earlier targets in 2026 and 2027. The airline intends to use Kansai International Airport as its primary hub, initially establishing two routes: Kansai to Toyama and Kansai to Yonago. These routes are planned to operate once daily, five days a week.

To support operations, JCAS Airways has reached a basic agreement with Singapore-based aircraft leasing firm Avation PLC to introduce ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft. The first 72-seat aircraft is expected to be received in August 2027, after which the company will begin crew training flights and operational testing to ensure safety before commercial service begins.