In early 2026, ZIPAIR, a budget-friendly branch of Japan Airlines, will initiate the inaugural nonstop passenger flights connecting Japan and Florida. These flights will link Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) with four roundtrip services planned for February 23, February 28, March 5, and March 10. Covering a distance of 7,251 miles, the flights will utilize ZIPAIR’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft and will provide a distinctive onboard experience featuring flat beds that are not categorized as business class.
The flight timetable is as follows:
– ZG714 Tokyo Narita to Orlando: Leaves at 2:30 PM and touches down at 1:40 PM
– ZG713 Orlando to Tokyo Narita: Takes off at 3:40 PM and arrives at 8:35 PM the following day
The flights have a duration of 13 hours and 10 minutes eastbound and 14 hours and 55 minutes westbound. This venture aims to enhance cultural connections and generate economic prospects between the two locales. The announcement was made in late October 2025, supported by officials from the government, tourism sector, and Disney leaders.
Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, highlighted the historical importance of this collaboration, underscoring the economic synergy present between the communities. Shingo Nishida, President of ZIPAIR, conveyed pride in this accomplishment and aspires to meet customer expectations with ZIPAIR’s new level of air travel.
The objective of these flights is to evaluate the potential for expanded service between Orlando and Tokyo, with aspirations for establishing regular service. However, the success of these charter flights does not assure their long-term sustainability, as demand is primarily driven by leisure travelers, and there are already available one-stop options connecting the two destinations.
In summary, while these charter flights represent a notable achievement, the chances of them evolving into permanent nonstop service remain ambiguous. Still, this initiative has attracted interest and could set the stage for future advancements in air travel between Japan and Florida.