Japan Transocean Air

Japan Transocean Air (JTA) is a regional airline based in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, operating scheduled passenger services primarily throughout the Ryukyu Islands and between Okinawa and mainland Japan. It serves as a vital air link for the island communities of southwestern Japan, where air travel is essential due to the archipelagic geography of the region. Founded in 1967 as Southwest Air Lines before being renamed, JTA became a consolidated carrier following the merger of several regional Okinawan airlines. The airline is a majority-owned subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JAL) and operates as part of the JAL Group network, benefiting from shared branding, frequent flyer programs, and codeshare arrangements. JTA plays a critical role in the economic and social connectivity of Okinawa and surrounding islands, supporting both local residents and the tourism industry. It coordinates closely with other JAL Group subsidiaries such as Ryukyu Air Commuter for inter-island services.