RAC - Ryukyu Air Commuter (Okinawa Naha) has taken delivery of its first Dash 8-400(C) Combi aircraft following the arrival of JA81RC (cn 4505) in Japan last week. The launch operator for the type, RAC has a total of five of the type on order from Bombardier Aerospace (BBA, Montréal Trudeau).

"We are very excited to be the launch operator for the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft,” Takashi Irei, President, Ryukyu Air Commuter, said. “We always aim to offer the highest level of comfort and convenience for our customers and the Q400 cargo-combi aircraft offers the ideal platform for the evolution of our service. Increasing efficient air travel options around Japan’s Okinawa islands will provide strong economic and leisure advantages.”

Launched in 2014, the Q400 Combi can handle up to 4,082kg of cargo capacity and up to 32 cubic metres of cargo volume when configured with 50 seats.

For its part, the JAL - Japan Airlines (JL, Tokyo Haneda) subsidiary currently operates a fleet of four Dash 8-100s and a single Dash 8-300 on flights connecting Amami, Ishigaki, Kitadaito, Kumejima, Minamidaito, Miyakojima, Yonaguni Jima, Yoronjima, Okinawa Naha, and Taramajima.