ZIPAIR has launched the first nonstop passenger charter service linking Tokyo’s Narita International Airport and Orlando International Airport, marking the first direct passenger connection between Florida and the Asia Pacific region.
The inaugural flight touched down in Orlando at 1:35 p.m. on Feb. 23, carrying 280 passengers and opening a new long-haul route aimed at both leisure and business travelers.
The charter service operates four roundtrip flights scheduled for February 28, March 5, and March 10, with afternoon departures from Tokyo and Orlando and evening arrivals in Japan. Airport leaders say the milestone follows decades of efforts to attract a direct Asia-Pacific connection and could pave the way for future scheduled services.
Airport staff marked the arrival with a runway water salute, live music, and refreshments in Terminal C, turning the historic landing into a celebratory event for passengers and aviation officials. The service connects two of the world’s most visited tourism markets, both closely associated with major theme park destinations.
“This arrival marks a special partnership with ZIPAIR and a special moment in Orlando International’s history,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Orlando and Tokyo are two of the world’s most visited destinations. I am hopeful that this connection will help to enrich cultural ties and create more opportunities for robust economic activity.”
The charter flights are the result of long-term route development efforts led by the airport and regional tourism partners. “Today’s arrival of ZIPAIR’s Flight 714 is the culmination of promoting Orlando as a viable route for the past 30 years,” said Vicki Jaramillo, Chief Commercial Officer for GOAA. “This work could not have been done without the incredible Air Service Development team and partners such as Mickeynet, Visit Orlando, Experience Kissimmee and others who remained steadfast in recruiting an airline to service the Asia Pacific.”
Tourism leaders highlighted the appeal of linking Tokyo and Orlando, two global entertainment hubs with strong family travel demand. The inaugural flight brought dozens of Disney enthusiasts, reflecting the leisure-driven potential of the route alongside growing business travel between Japan and Central Florida.
Passengers arriving on the first service described the journey as smooth and convenient. “It was incredible. Easy, no complaints and I definitely recommend it,” said Christina Whisnant of New Smyrna Beach. “I’ll be going over more often now that I know there’s good snowboarding in Hokkaido so it’s a nice way to get to Tokyo, roam around and then get to Hokkaido. So, I’ll be using ZIPAIR, again.”
The charter operation was announced in October at a press conference in Tokyo, with airline and airport leaders positioning the flights as a trial that could support long-term service expansion. Both sides say the performance of the initial rotations will help shape decisions on potential future routes.
International travel at Orlando International Airport has expanded steadily in recent years, with approximately 1.4 million more international visitors in 2025 than in 2023. Officials say the airport’s growing global footprint strengthens the case for new long-haul services beyond Europe and Latin America.
Now ranked as Florida’s busiest airport, the ninth busiest in the United States, and the world’s 25th busiest, Orlando International is preparing for continued growth in international demand through 2026. The Tokyo charter service is being positioned as a major step toward diversifying the airport’s long-haul network.
With nonstop travel reducing journey times and simplifying connections, the Orlando–Tokyo link is expected to appeal to theme park visitors, winter sports travelers heading onward to northern Japan, and corporate travelers seeking direct access between two major economic regions.
