FloridaCommerce has announced that ZIPAIR, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, will introduce four new nonstop passenger charter flights between Tokyo’s Narita International Airport and Orlando International Airport. The announcement was made during the 47th Southeast U.S./Japan Association Annual Meeting in Tokyo.
The new service aims to support business travel between Florida and Japan and foster connections between families and cultures from both regions. This development follows several initiatives to strengthen ties between Florida and Japan, including meetings led by Governor Ron DeSantis with Japanese officials at the SEUS-Japan conference in Orlando in November 2022, his visit to Japan in April 2023, and efforts by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, ZIPAIR’s investment represents more than a business expansion—it is a powerful symbol of the growing economic partnership between Florida and Japan,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce, J. Alex Kelly. “Japan is an increasingly important source of investment in Florida, and ZIPAIR’s presence in Florida will cater to the growing business-travel need between Florida and Japan, further strengthening the economic, cultural and strategic ties that connect our two regions.”
Stephanie Kopelousos, Board Chair of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, stated: “There is no way to overstate the importance of this new service between Asia and Orlando International Airport. Not only does this new service validate the years of effort put into developing this relationship, it also lays the groundwork for continued cooperation and business opportunities for both Asia and Central Florida.”
Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT Florida added: “As the world’s tourism destination, Florida is ecstatic to welcome a new direct flight from Japan with ZIPAIR. We welcome Japanese travelers to enjoy our state with this new, easy flight path, and VISIT Florida is enthusiastically committed to facilitating even more direct flights from Japan as a gateway to Asia and the Pacific.”
Florida continues to be a major destination for international visitors. In 2024, it received a record 143 million visitors overall—including nearly 9 million from overseas—and saw continued growth into 2025 with 34.4 million visitors in just the second quarter.
The introduction of ZIPAIR’s service results from collaboration among FloridaCommerce, SelectFlorida, VISIT FLORIDA, and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. The direct connection will give Japanese travelers better access to attractions such as theme parks, convention centers, beaches, as well as emerging business sectors across Florida. It also provides Floridians with convenient connections through ZIPAIR’s network.
Florida's position as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean makes it attractive for Japanese companies looking to expand their reach in the Western Hemisphere. Trade relations remain strong; Japan ranks as Florida's eighth largest merchandise trading partner globally—and second within Asia-Pacific—with annual trade exceeding $6.8 billion.