Taipei, Dec. 10 (CNA) Budget carrier Tigerair Taiwan launched a new route between Taoyuan and Akita Prefecture in northwestern Japan on Sunday, its 18th route between Taiwan and Japan.
To highlight the new destination Tigerair chairman Kevin Chen (陳漢銘) took the maiden flight from Taoyuan International Airport on Sunday to Akita Airport, where he was met by Akita Prefecture Governor Norihisa Satake to celebrate the event.
Passengers on the maiden voyage plane were given commemorative postcards and had access to photo-ops with Tigerair flight attendants at the Taoyuan airport.
Chen said before departing that the new route will get travelers to the Akita area on a direct three-hour flight, leaving them more time for tourism and relaxation.
Previously, visitors to Akita had to first fly from Taiwan to Sendai Airport in northeastern Japan and then spend about three hours on trains or even longer on buses to get to their destination.
Chen encouraged passengers to explore more of the northern part of Japan, where Akita is located, in the fall or winter months because it is a good destination for winter activities, such as snowboarding and hot spring experiences.
According to Tigerair, it will fly its new Taoyuan-Akita route twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays using an Airbus 320.
Flights from Taoyuan will depart at 8:30 a.m., while the return flight from Akita will leave at 2:10 p.m., the airline said.
