Twelve months after the merger of Air Do (HD, Sapporo Chitose) and Solaseed Air (6J, Miyazaki), their new holding company now reportedly plans to integrate the maintenance units of both airlines.
The two Japanese regional carriers finalised their merger in October 2022. The merger was designed to maximise revenues and reduce expenditure through standardisation, joint use, and integration. Air Do and Solaseed have retained their individual brand identities but now operate under a holding company called RegionalPlus Wings Corporation.
"Collaboration has already progressed in ground operations and in-flight sales, and the effects are gradually appearing," reads a Japanese language statement issued by the two airlines marking the merger anniversary. "Next year, the maintenance departments of both companies will be integrated to significantly reduce equipment maintenance costs." As a result of the merger, RegionalPlus Wings is targeting profits of JPY9 billion yen (USD60.4 million) by FY2026.
In July, citing a need to capture the improving passenger demand and improve its financial situation, Air Do's newly installed chairman Takahiro Suzuki said he would bring forward that airline's planned fleet renewal program by one year, starting the process in 2026 rather than 2027. Air Do operates four B767-300ERs and eight B737-700s but would like to begin inducting more fuel-efficient types. Solaseed operates fourteen B737-800s.
