Japanese start-up carrier JCAS Airways (Osaka Kansai) announced on August 29 that its target launch had slipped from the first half of 2026 to the second half. The airline attributed the postponement to production delays on its first aircraft, an ATR72-600.
Due to the delay, JCAS Airways now expects to launch between September and November 2026. Crew training and working on safety procedures are the top priorities while it awaits its first aircraft.
“JCAS has been preparing for the launch of the aircraft in spring 2026, but it has become clear that there will be a delay in the production of the ATR72-600 for which a lease agreement was signed in November last year,” said the airline in a press release. “As a result of discussions, it has been decided that the delivery date for the aircraft will be changed from the original October 2025 to February 2026."
JCAS Airways has signed a 12-year lease for a single ATR72-600 with Singapore-based lessor Avation. The deal was finalised late last year when the start-up secured investments that allowed it to fund its first aircraft.
The start-up intends to operate flights from Osaka Kansai to Toyama and Yonago.
