Airlines

Ride with Japan's Premier Airline: Exploring Air Do's History and Growth





Air Do is a Japanese airline based in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture. The airline was established in 1992 and has since become one of Japan's premier airlines, providing passenger and cargo services to domestic and international destinations.

Air Do had humble beginnings. Founded by Masayoshi Ohta, the company was originally a small charter airline operating a single 19-seat DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. Its first flight was a charter from Hanamaki to the island of Hokkaido in October 1992.

The airline grew quickly, and by the year 2000, Air Do had a fleet of 9 aircraft and had expanded its operations to include international flights to China and Korea. In 2003, the airline had grown to over 20 aircraft and had opened a new base at Sapporo Airport.

Air Do continued to expand its network, and by 2006 it had become Japan's fourth largest airline. It opened its first international hub at Tokyo Narita Airport in 2009 and began offering flights to destinations in the U.S., Europe, and Australia.





Over the years, Air Do has acquired a variety of aircraft, including the Embraer E170, Boeing 737-800, and Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. As of 2020, Air Do operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft and is one of the largest airlines in Japan.

Air Do has had a few noteworthy milestones throughout its history. In 2003, it became the first airline in Japan to introduce e-tickets, allowing customers to purchase tickets online. In 2010, it became the first Japanese airline to operate the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft. In 2011, it was the first airline to introduce the Internet-on-board service, allowing passengers to access the Internet while in flight.

Air Do has had its share of incidents. In 2011, a Dash 8 Q400 aircraft crashed in Akita Prefecture, killing all 15 passengers and crew members on board. In 2013, the airline was the subject of a federal investigation by the Japanese Ministry of Transport due to safety violations. The airline was ordered to suspend operations for several weeks while the investigation was ongoing.

Despite these incidents, Air Do has continued to grow and evolve. The airline now operates flights to over 30 international destinations and has become one of the most popular airlines in Japan. Air Do continues to strive to provide safe and reliable air travel to its customers.