Fuji Dream Airlines Launches New First-Ever Individually Ticketed Charter Flights Between Kumamoto and Sapporo/New Chitose with Special Hyoi-to Charter Fares

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Fuji Dream Airlines is introducing a significant change to its regional operations by offering individually ticketed charter flights between Kumamoto and Sapporo/New Chitose for the first time. The limited-service programme, scheduled between August 31 and September 4, has been developed in partnership with Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto Airport and Hokkaido Airports. Featuring affordable Hyoi-to Charter fares, Embraer regional aircraft and direct connectivity between Kyushu and Hokkaido, the initiative is expected to create new travel opportunities while improving regional tourism links during the late summer travel season. Fuji Dream Airlines is preparing to introduce a new approach to regional air travel by offering individually ticketed seats on charter flights for the first time in the airline’s history.

Traditionally, charter flights have largely been arranged for organised groups, package tours or corporate travel. Through this latest initiative, passengers will instead be given the opportunity to purchase individual tickets directly, making charter operations accessible to a much broader range of travellers.

The programme represents an important milestone for the regional Japanese airline as it explores new ways of improving domestic connectivity while responding to evolving passenger demand.

By combining the flexibility of scheduled services with the operational advantages of charter flights, additional travel options are being created for passengers seeking direct connections between Kyushu and Hokkaido.

Direct Kumamoto and Sapporo Connections Scheduled for Late Summer

The new charter operation will connect Kumamoto with Sapporo/New Chitose during a limited operating period between August 31 and September 4.

Across the five-day programme, a total of nine flight services have been scheduled to accommodate passenger demand during the late summer travel season.

The temporary operation has been designed to strengthen regional mobility while providing a convenient non-stop travel option between two important Japanese destinations that are separated by a considerable geographical distance.

The direct flights eliminate the need for connecting services through larger domestic hubs, allowing passengers to complete their journeys more efficiently while reducing overall travel time.

The initiative also demonstrates how regional airlines are increasingly exploring flexible operational models to serve seasonal travel demand.

Regional Partnerships Support the New Initiative

The charter programme has been developed through close cooperation between multiple regional organisations.

Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto Airport and Hokkaido Airports have collaborated with Fuji Dream Airlines to make the operation possible.

The partnership reflects a shared objective of strengthening tourism, supporting regional economies and encouraging greater travel between southern and northern Japan.

By combining the resources and expertise of local government authorities, airport operators and the airline, the initiative has been designed to stimulate visitor movement while enhancing accessibility between the two regions.

Such collaborative tourism and aviation partnerships have become increasingly important as regional destinations seek innovative methods of attracting domestic travellers.

Embraer Regional Aircraft Will Operate the Flights

The charter services will be operated using Fuji Dream Airlines’ Embraer regional jet fleet.

Passengers will travel aboard either the Embraer 170, configured with 76 seats, or the slightly larger Embraer 175, offering capacity for 84 passengers.

Both aircraft types have become well suited to regional operations because of their efficient performance, passenger comfort and ability to serve medium-distance domestic routes.

The relatively modest seating capacity also enables airlines to match aircraft size more closely with expected demand, improving operational efficiency while maintaining comfortable onboard conditions.

The use of Embraer aircraft reflects Fuji Dream Airlines’ long-standing focus on regional aviation within Japan.

Journey Time Offers Convenient Direct Travel

Each flight between Kumamoto and Sapporo/New Chitose has been scheduled with an approximate journey time of two hours and 30 minutes.

The direct routing provides travellers with a practical alternative to itineraries requiring transfers through larger airports.

Reduced travel time is expected to benefit both leisure passengers and business travellers by offering faster access between Kyushu and Hokkaido.

The convenience of non-stop services may also encourage additional tourism activity by making short visits and weekend travel more accessible.

Improved regional connectivity continues to play an important role in supporting domestic tourism while strengthening economic links between different parts of Japan.

Hyoi-to Charter Fares Aim to Encourage More Travellers

A specially priced fare product has been introduced for the limited charter operation.

The Hyoi-to Charter fare will range from 26,000 yen to 33,000 yen depending on the selected flight and booking conditions.

The competitive pricing strategy has been designed to make the new charter service attractive to a broad range of passengers while encouraging greater utilisation of the temporary operation.

Affordable fares often play a significant role in stimulating regional tourism by reducing travel costs and increasing accessibility for domestic visitors.

Through this pricing model, Fuji Dream Airlines is providing travellers with an opportunity to experience direct charter services without the traditional limitations associated with group bookings.

Ticket Sales Begin on July 10

Reservations for the new charter flights will become available beginning at 9:00 a.m. on July 10.

The scheduled sales launch provides passengers with sufficient time to plan travel arrangements before operations commence at the end of August.

The availability of individually purchasable tickets represents one of the most distinctive features of the programme, allowing travellers to book seats independently rather than participating in organised tour groups.

The booking process is expected to attract leisure travellers, families, regional tourists and passengers seeking direct travel between Kumamoto and Hokkaido.

Flight Schedule Covers Nine Services

The temporary charter programme has been organised across multiple operating days to maximise passenger flexibility.

Outbound Flight Schedule from Kumamoto to Sapporo/New Chitose:

• FDA5921 will depart Kumamoto at 07:45 and arrive at Sapporo/New Chitose at 10:15 on August 31 and September 4.
• FDA5923 will depart Kumamoto at 08:20 and arrive at Sapporo/New Chitose at 10:50 on September 1 and September 3.
• FDA5925 will depart Kumamoto at 10:00 and arrive at Sapporo/New Chitose at 12:30 on September 2.

Return Flight Schedule from Sapporo/New Chitose to Kumamoto:

• FDA5926 will depart Sapporo/New Chitose at 18:25 and arrive in Kumamoto at 20:55 on August 31 and September 2, September 3 and September 4.

The schedule has been arranged to provide multiple departure options throughout the operating period while supporting convenient travel planning.

New Opportunities for Domestic Tourism

The launch of these charter flights is expected to contribute positively to domestic tourism by improving direct access between two regions that offer distinctly different travel experiences.

Kumamoto is widely recognised for its cultural attractions, historical landmarks and natural scenery across Kyushu, while Hokkaido continues to attract visitors with its expansive landscapes, seasonal beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The improved air connection may encourage travellers to explore destinations that might otherwise require more complex travel arrangements.

In addition, stronger regional air links have the potential to generate broader economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, transport providers and tourism businesses located in both regions.

Innovation Reflects Changing Regional Aviation Strategies

Fuji Dream Airlines’ decision to introduce individually ticketed charter services reflects a broader trend within regional aviation as airlines seek greater operational flexibility and innovative service models.

Rather than limiting charter operations to pre-arranged travel groups, the airline is opening access to independent travellers while maintaining the advantages of seasonal charter scheduling.

The collaboration with Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto Airport and Hokkaido Airports further demonstrates how regional partnerships can support improved connectivity and stimulate domestic travel demand.

With nine services scheduled between August 31 and September 4, competitively priced Hyoi-to Charter fares ranging from 26,000 yen to 33,000 yen, efficient Embraer 170 and Embraer 175 aircraft and a direct journey time of approximately two hours and 30 minutes, the initiative represents an important development for regional aviation in Japan.

As passenger expectations continue to evolve, programmes such as this may provide valuable insights into future opportunities for expanding flexible regional air services while supporting tourism growth across the country.