Tokiwair to Join Aircraft Manufacturing, Aiming for First Flight Within Five Years

Oct 04, 2025 | News On Japan

NIIGATA, Oct 04, 2025 (News On Japan) - Tokiwair, a Niigata-based airline, is planning to produce lightweight sport aircraft (LSA), a category of small propeller planes, in collaboration with factories in the Tsubame-Sanjo area of Niigata Prefecture.

While LSAs are currently treated as experimental aircraft in Japan, they are recognized as practical planes in the United States and other countries. Tokiwair aims to secure approval in the U.S. and conduct its first flight within five years.

Since launching operations in 2024, Tokiwair has continued to post net losses, but it is now stepping up efforts to restructure. From October, entrepreneur Takafumi Horie has joined the board of directors to help strengthen management.

At an October 6th announcement, Tokiwair also plans to unveil a so-called “super app” initiative, designed to link transportation, hospitals, and restaurants across Niigata Prefecture through a single platform. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to shift the airline toward profitability.

Source: テレ東BIZ

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