Solaseed Air

Solaseed Air is not merely an air carrier, but a true aerial bridge connecting the dynamic rhythm of megacities with the warm hospitality of southern Japan. The recognizable aircraft with their pistachio-green livery have become a symbol of travel to the island of Kyushu and sunny Okinawa, embodying freshness and reliability. The company positions itself as a cosy hybrid between a low-cost carrier and a full-service airline, offering passengers "seeds of smiles" — which is how the brand name, combining the words "Solar" and "Seed", is metaphorically interpreted.

Brand History and Philosophy
Originally founded as Skynet Asia Airways, the company underwent a massive rebranding to highlight its deep connection with the regions it serves. Solaseed Air's mission goes beyond simple transportation: the airline actively participates in the "Sorakoi" project, promoting the culture and tourism of Kyushu prefectures. On board, passengers are often introduced to the local features of the southern regions, creating a travel atmosphere even before landing.

Flight Geography
The carrier's route network has a clear focus on domestic flights, connecting the country's largest cities with resort and historical centres. From its hub in the capital, Solaseed Air operates numerous flights to Kagoshima — a land of volcanoes and hot springs, and ensures a steady flow of tourists to tropical Okinawa. Destinations from Osaka (Kobe Airport) and Fukuoka are also popular. Key points on the flight map include historical Nagasaki, Oita famous for its onsens, and the industrial centre of Nagoya.

Fleet and Comfort
The company's fleet is unified and consists of reliable Boeing 737-800 liners. This allows for high standards of technical maintenance and punctuality. A distinctive feature of Solaseed Air cabins is the increased seat pitch compared to typical budget carriers, as well as the presence of modern Boeing Sky Interior LED lighting, which makes the flight more pleasant and visually spacious.

Service and Safety
Solaseed Air is renowned for its friendly service. Unlike strict low-cost carriers, the airline often offers complimentary beverages, including its signature soup made from ago (flying fish) and yuzu citrus, which has become a legend among frequent travellers. Safety is an absolute priority: the company strictly follows Japanese aviation standards, holding an impeccable reputation in operations and pilot training.

Solaseed Air Contacts

Getting in touch with Solaseed Air representatives is quite simple, though it is worth noting that the primary language of communication is Japanese, while support in English is available for international clients. The airline provides modern digital services and a telephone line for resolving booking issues, flight changes, or special requests.

Official Website

For ticket searches, online check-in, and checking flight status, it is best to use the carrier's official website. An adapted version in English is available:

• Website: https://www.solaseedair.jp/en/

Contact Details

• Reservation and Information Center (for international calls): +81 3 6735 3088
• Reservation Center (for calls within Japan): 0570-037-283 (Navi Dial)
• Support Hours: Daily from 06:30 to 22:00 (Japan Standard Time).
• Email: The airline does not publish a public email for general inquiries. For written correspondence, it is recommended to use the "Inquiry Form" on the official website.
• Mobile App: "Solaseed Air App" (available for download on the App Store and Google Play, primarily in Japanese).

Social Media

You can follow news, special offers, and inspiring photos of the Kyushu regions on the company's official pages:

• Facebook: Solaseed Air Official
• Instagram: @solaseedair_official
• YouTube: Solaseed Air Channel

Offices and Representatives

The airline's headquarters is based in Miyazaki Prefecture. Physical passenger service is provided at check-in counters and ticket offices at airports within the network. Main counters are located at the base airport Haneda (Tokyo), as well as in the terminals of Okinawa (Naha), Kagoshima, and other network destinations.

• Headquarters Address: Miyazaki Airport Building 2F, Akae, Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki Prefecture, 880-0912, Japan.

Please note: contact details, phone numbers, and service hours are subject to change. We strongly recommend checking the latest information in the "Support" section of the official airline website before travelling.

Solaseed Air Baggage Rules

Travelling with Solaseed Air is characterised by the comfort typical of classic full-service airlines, which positively reflects on luggage rules. Unlike budget low-cost carriers where you have to pay extra for every kilogram, this carrier offers quite generous allowances, permitting you to head off on holiday or a business trip without unnecessary worries.

To ensure your check-in at Tokyo airport or any other city in the route network goes smoothly, we recommend familiarising yourself with the current requirements for carry-on and checked baggage in advance.

Carry-on Baggage: Essentials with You

Solaseed Air flights operate under standard rules for Japanese domestic airlines regarding items carried in the aircraft cabin. Each passenger is entitled to bring on board:

• One piece of carry-on baggage (e.g., a small suitcase or backpack).
• One personal item (handbag, briefcase, umbrella, camera, or a shopping bag from the airport).

Weight and Size Limits:

• The total weight of the two items must not exceed 10 kg.
• The maximum dimensions of the main bag must not exceed 115 cm in the sum of three dimensions (approximately 55 × 40 × 25 cm).

Important: If your carry-on baggage exceeds the specified size or weight, or if it cannot be safely stowed in the cabin, staff will ask you to check it in (potentially for an additional fee if the weight limit is exceeded).

Checked Baggage: Freedom to Travel

One of the main advantages of Solaseed Air is the free checked baggage allowance included in the ticket price. This is especially relevant for those flying to Okinawa for a long holiday or bringing back souvenirs from a trip.

Free Allowance:

• Each passenger is allowed to check in up to 20 kg of baggage free of charge.
• The number of bags is not limited, provided their total weight falls within 20 kg.
• Dimensions: The sum of three dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 203 cm.

If you are flying with a connection to international flights on other airlines, rules may differ, so always check the conditions on your itinerary.

Excess Baggage

If your suitcases weigh more than 20 kg, an additional fee will be required. Excess baggage rates on Solaseed Air vary depending on the route (flight zone). For example, excess weight on a short flight will cost less than on a long flight to Kagoshima.

• The maximum weight of a single piece of baggage cannot exceed 32 kg (for the safety of baggage handlers). Anything heavier must be shipped as Cargo.
• The maximum total weight of baggage per passenger is 100 kg.

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

Since the airline's routes often lead to resort areas, transporting sports equipment is a frequent request.

• For Surfers and Divers: Surfboards, diving gear, and golf bags are accepted for carriage within the free baggage allowance. If the weight exceeds 20 kg, the standard excess fee applies.
• Bicycles: Must be disassembled or folded and packed in a special case or box.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be taken into the cabin (within carry-on dimensions). For large instruments (cello, double bass), you must either book a separate seat in the cabin or check them in a hard case.

Prohibited Items and Restrictions

Japanese aviation security rules are strict. To avoid delays at security checks in airports such as Nagasaki or Oita, please remember the following:

• Lithium Batteries and Power Banks: Allowed ONLY in carry-on baggage. Checking them in is strictly prohibited due to fire risk.
• Lighters: Only one gas lighter per passenger is allowed on your person. They cannot be checked in.
• Electronic Cigarettes: Carried only in carry-on baggage; use on board is prohibited.
• Scissors and Knives: Any sharp objects, even manicure scissors with long blades, must be checked in.

Packing Tips

To ensure your flight is as comfortable as possible, use these simple recommendations:

1. Keep valuables with you. Always take money, documents, jewellery, laptops, and fragile items into the cabin.
2. Label your baggage. Attach a tag with your name and phone number (preferably in English) to each suitcase. Flights from popular hubs like Osaka or Fukuoka can be busy, and a tag will help find the owner faster in case of confusion.
3. Protect electronics. If you are transporting electronics in checked baggage (which is not recommended), ensure they are switched off and securely protected by soft clothing on all sides.

Solaseed Air Pet Transport Rules

Solaseed Air treats pet owners with understanding and calls pets "important family members". The carrier strives to make the journey comfortable and safe for everyone; however, like most Japanese airlines, strict regulations apply here due to the specifics of domestic flights and safety requirements.

Transport Options

The choice of transport method depends on the size of the animal and its status. Solaseed Air offers a clear separation of services.

In the Cabin (Carry-on)

It is important to note that Solaseed Air's rules differ from many European or American companies. Currently, the airline's policy prohibits the transport of ordinary pets (cats, small dogs, birds) directly in the passenger seat or underneath it.

• Permitted Animals: Exclusively service dogs (guide dogs for the blind, assistance dogs for the hearing and mobility impaired).
• Conditions for Service Dogs: The animal stays at the owner's feet free of charge and must wear a harness marked "Service Dog".
• Documents: A certificate confirming the dog's status is required (in accordance with Japanese legislation on assistance dogs).
• Limit: There are no weight restrictions for service dogs, but they must behave calmly and not obstruct the aisle.

In the Cargo Hold (Checked Baggage)

This is the primary method of travel for pets on Solaseed Air flights. Animals are transported in a special air-conditioned section of the cargo hold, where pressure and temperature are maintained close to cabin levels.

• Container Requirements: You can use your own hard carrier (plastic/metal) that meets IATA standards, or rent a crate from the airline (sizes S, M, L are available). The carrier must lock securely and allow the animal to stand and turn around.
• Weight and Size Limits: Small birds, cats, dogs, and other small animals are accepted.
• Temperature Restrictions: The environment in the hold is controlled, but may depend on the external temperature during loading/unloading at departure airports (e.g., during hot summers in Kyushu).
• Check-in Procedure: The animal is registered at the Check-in counter no later than 30 minutes before departure.

As Cargo (For Large Animals)

If your pet, together with the cage, is very large or is travelling unaccompanied, it is processed through the cargo terminal.

• When Required: If the total weight of the animal and container exceeds the allowable limits for baggage, or the animal type is not suitable for standard transport.
• Special Requirements: Processing takes place at the airport's cargo department, not at the passenger counter.
• Procedure: Advance booking through a Solaseed Air Cargo agent is required.

Necessary Documents

For a smooth flight, for example from Tokyo airport, prepare the following document package:

• Letter of Consent: A special airline form that can be downloaded from the Solaseed Air website or filled out at the check-in counter. By signing it, you confirm that the animal is healthy.
• Veterinary Certificates: For domestic flights within Japan, a strict vet passport is usually not checked as thoroughly as for international flights, but the animal must be visually healthy.
• Vaccination Certificate: It is strongly recommended to have proof of rabies vaccination (especially for dogs).
• International Certificates: If you have arrived from abroad and are transferring to a domestic Solaseed flight, you must have clearance documents from the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service.

Service Costs

Solaseed Air rates are fixed for each flight segment ("Pet Charge"). Payment is made at the check-in counter before departure.

• Transport in Cargo Hold: Approximately 6,000 Japanese Yen per cage per route segment.
• Cage Rental: Usually included in the transport fee (check availability of the required size in advance).
• Service Dogs in Cabin: Free of charge.

Preparation Tips

• Carrier Requirements: If using your own cage, ensure it is sturdy, has ventilation on three sides, and a leak-proof bottom. Do not place large toys or hard objects inside that could injure the animal during turbulence.
• Feeding: Feed your pet 2-3 hours before departure to avoid motion sickness. Allow them to drink water, but do not overfill their stomach.
• Water: In warm seasons (especially on flights to Okinawa), it is permitted to attach a special water dispenser with water and ice to the cage door.
• Reducing Stress: Place an absorbent pad with a familiar scent in the cage. Do not give the animal sedatives without a direct recommendation from a veterinarian, as this may affect thermoregulation.

Restrictions

Strict restrictions apply for animal safety, particularly regarding breeds sensitive to temperature and pressure changes.

• Prohibited Breeds (Brachycephalic): French Bulldogs and Bulldogs are not accepted for transport year-round due to respiratory system specifics.
• Seasonal Restrictions: Other snub-nosed breeds (Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boxers, etc.) may not be permitted to fly during the summer period (usually from May to October) when temperatures are high.
• Prohibited Animals: Fish, insects, reptiles, and rodents may have special restrictions or require transport strictly via the cargo terminal.
• Health Condition: Pregnant females, animals younger than 8 weeks, or pets with obvious signs of illness are not permitted to fly.

Please note: The number of spaces for animals on each flight is limited by the technical capabilities of the Boeing 737 aircraft. We strongly recommend contacting the Solaseed Air Reservation Center in advance to reserve a spot for your pet.

Solaseed Smile Club Loyalty Program

For frequent travellers, the airline offers its own reward scheme called the Solaseed Smile Club. It is a simple and transparent system designed to make regular flights between megacities and southern Japanese resorts not only comfortable but also rewarding.

Membership Tiers

Unlike major international alliances, the structure of the Solaseed Air program is closely linked to holding branded cards. The main statuses are distributed as follows:

• Basic Member (Smile Club Member) — the entry level, available immediately after free registration on the website, allowing you to earn miles for flights.
• Solaseed Air Card (Classic) — status for holders of the standard credit card, giving bonus miles upon joining and annual renewal.
• Solaseed Air Gold Card — an elite level offering an increased mileage accrual rate (up to 2% depending on spending) and extended travel insurance.
• Student Level — special conditions for students, including discounts on tickets and a preferential period for accumulating bonuses.

How to Earn Miles

The currency of the program is miles, which are awarded for passenger activity. The main way to top up your balance is by travelling on the company's route network:

• Flying Solaseed Air flights — the number of miles depends on the distance (e.g., a flight Tokyo — Kagoshima will yield more than a short hop).
• Using co-branded cards — paying for daily purchases with a Solaseed Air Card allows you to convert spent Yen into miles.
• Airport purchases — special offers at partner shops on Kyushu island and in Okinawa allow you to receive additional points.
• Welcome bonuses — the airline often gifts welcome miles to new cardholders.

How to Spend Miles

The system for using accumulated points in the Solaseed Smile Club is focused on practical benefits. The main goal for most members is free travel:

• Award Tickets — exchanging miles for a one-way or round-trip flight across the entire route network.
• Sharing Miles — a unique feature of the program allowing you to share points with registered family members to issue a joint ticket.
• Popular Routes — miles can be profitably spent on flights to Nagasaki or to the sunny beaches of the southern islands.
• Partner Goods — in some cases, miles can be exchanged for certificates or local products from the Kyushu regions.

Alliance Participation and Partnerships

Solaseed Air is not part of global aviation alliances (such as Star Alliance or Oneworld). However, the company has a strategic partnership with Japan's largest carrier:

• Key Partner: All Nippon Airways (ANA).
• Code-sharing: Most Solaseed Air flights are operated jointly with ANA, allowing for route connections.
• Mileage Specifics: Despite the partnership, Solaseed Smile Club miles and ANA Mileage Club miles are different currencies, and direct conversion between them is usually not provided.

How to Join

Becoming a club member is very simple and requires no financial investment (for the basic level):

• Visit the official airline website in the Smile Club section.
• Fill out a simple registration form (available in English and Japanese).
• Receive a digital membership number, which needs to be entered every time you book tickets.
• Applying for a Solaseed Air credit card requires a separate application and a Japanese address.

Service Classes and Onboard Comfort

Travelling with Solaseed Air is an experience the company calls "comfortable minimalism". The carrier strives to provide a level of service comparable to major national airlines while maintaining affordable fares. There is no complex gradation of classes here, but attention to detail is felt at every stage of the flight.

Service Classes
Solaseed Air operates its aircraft in a mono-class configuration. Only Economy Class is available on board. There is no Business Class or First Class. However, thanks to the thoughtful cabin configuration, this "Economy" significantly exceeds the standards of typical budget carriers.

Seat Configuration
The cabins of the Boeing 737-800 liners are equipped with modern slim seats arranged in a 3–3 layout. The airline's main pride is the seat pitch (distance between seat backs), which averages 81 cm (32 inches). This space allows even tall passengers to position their legs comfortably, which is especially valuable during flights from the hub in Tokyo to remote southern prefectures.

• Seat Width: Approximately 44-45 cm.
• Features: Reclining seat backs, adjustable headrests, and coat hooks.
• Design: The interior is designed in light, soothing tones using the signature pistachio-green colour. Most aircraft are equipped with the Boeing Sky Interior lighting system, mimicking a soft sky glow.

Food and Beverages

Unlike low-cost carriers where even water is provided for a fee, Solaseed Air delights passengers with complimentary beverage service. This is part of the Japanese culture of hospitality, omotenashi.

The beverage menu (Solaseed Cafe) includes:

• Hot coffee and green tea.
• Apple juice (made from 100% Japanese apples).
• Signature "Ago Yuzu" Soup: The airline's true calling card. This is a light broth made from flying fish (ago) with a refreshing note of yuzu citrus grown in the Kyushu region. Many tourists choose this airline specifically for the opportunity to taste this drink at an altitude of 10,000 metres.

Full hot meals are not provided on flights due to the short duration, but flight attendants will always offer refreshing wipes and assist with waste disposal.

Entertainment and Connectivity

There are no individual monitors on the seat backs, but you won't be bored during the flight. The airline offers a free wireless entertainment service, "Solaseed Air Wi-Fi Service".

Passengers can connect their smartphones, tablets, or laptops to the onboard network (Intranet) and access a rich media library:

• Videos about travel in the Kyushu and Okinawa regions.
• Popular Japanese TV shows, anime, and children's programmes.
• Magazines and e-books (including the inflight magazine "Solaseedle").

Please note: this service is designed for streaming content from the aircraft's server and usually does not provide access to the global internet (web surfing, messaging apps, and email may be unavailable).

Special Services and Amenities

Solaseed Air pays great attention to the needs of various passenger categories, making the flight convenient for everyone.

For Women
A unique feature of Solaseed Air aircraft is the presence of a designated lavatory (usually in the rear section) prioritised for women's use. It is equipped with extra mirrors and shelves for convenience, which is often noted by female travellers flying for a holiday to Okinawa or Fukuoka.

For Passengers with Children
Families with small children can take advantage of priority boarding service. On board, flight attendants will offer:

• Assistance with stowing carry-on baggage.
• Sets of toys or colouring books (origami books, stickers with aeroplanes).
• The ability to warm up baby food.
• Blankets (upon request, quantities limited).

Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
At departure airports, whether it is bustling Nagoya or cosy Oita, company staff provide wheelchairs and escort from the check-in counter to the aircraft. It is recommended to notify the airline of the need for special assistance when booking the ticket.

The Solaseed Air route network focuses on domestic flights within Japan, linking major megacities with picturesque cities in the Kyushu region and resort-rich Okinawa. The carrier's main transport hub is the capital's Tokyo (Haneda Airport), from where the highest number of daily flights are operated.

Booking and Flight Tips

Planning a trip with Solaseed Air can be more than just an organisational moment; it can be the start of your acquaintance with Japanese meticulousness and care. To ensure your flight goes perfectly and your travel budget remains intact, we have gathered several proven recommendations for you.

Best Time to Buy Tickets

Like most Japanese airlines, Solaseed Air's fare system encourages early planning. The best offers can be found in the Advance Purchase Fares category.

• 75-Day Rule: If you plan your island holiday in advance, booking a ticket 75 days before departure ("Solaseed Super" fare) will allow you to save up to 60-70% off the standard price.
• Tiered System: If you missed the earliest deadline, check prices 60, 35, and 28 days before the departure date. New quotas of discounted seats often open at these milestones.
• Seasonality: Remember that flights to Okinawa are incredibly popular during "Golden Week" (early May) and in August. For travel on these dates, tickets should be purchased immediately after sales open.

How to Catch the Best Discounts

Besides standard early booking, Solaseed Air offers special opportunities for certain categories of passengers and spontaneous tourists.

• "Visit Japan" Fares: International tourists can often take advantage of special air passes for domestic flights, offering a fixed low price for any segment (e.g., a flight Tokyo — Kagoshima will cost significantly less than for local residents).
• Youth and Senior Discounts: The company offers special "Smart U-25" fares for passengers aged 12 to 25 and "Senior Silver" for travellers over 65. The peculiarity of these fares is that they are available for booking only on the day of departure or the day before, subject to seat availability.

Online Check-in: Save Time

Solaseed Air uses advanced technology to simplify airport procedures. To avoid standing in queues at counters, use the Online Check-in service.

• When it Opens: Check-in becomes available 24 hours before departure time.
• How it Works: You can check in via the mobile app or the mobile version of the website. After completing the procedure, you will receive a 2D barcode (QR code) which serves as your boarding pass.
• Skip Service: With this code, you can head straight to the security checkpoint, bypassing check-in counters, if you have no baggage to check. If you have baggage, simply leave it at the Baggage Drop counter by scanning your code.

Seat Selection Secrets: Where are the Best Views?

Since the airline's routes pass over some of Japan's most picturesque places, seat selection is strategically important.

• View of Fuji: If you are departing from Haneda Airport (Tokyo) towards southern destinations such as Nagasaki or Oita, choose window seats on the right side (seats with the letter K). In clear weather, a majestic view of Mount Fuji opens up from there.
• Island Landing: Upon approach to Naha Airport (Okinawa), the turquoise ocean waters and coral reefs are best seen if sitting by the window. The side may depend on wind direction, but picturesque landing approaches are often visible from both sides.
• Comfort: If legroom is important to you, consider seats in the first row or by emergency exits, although an additional fee may apply for reserving them.

Travel Insurance

Japan is a country with very changeable weather, especially in southern regions prone to typhoons in late summer and autumn. Flights to cities like Fukuoka or Nagoya may be delayed or cancelled due to strong winds.

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance covering flight cancellation or delay risks. Solaseed Air itself usually offers a full refund or transfer to the next flight in case of cancellation due to weather conditions, but insurance will help compensate for accommodation and meal expenses during forced waiting.

Solaseed Air Mobile App

For full control over your trip, we recommend installing the official app. Although the main interface is oriented towards the Japanese market, key functions are intuitive.

• Storing all boarding passes in one place.
• Instant notifications about gate changes or flight delays.
• Quick access to flight schedules, for example from Osaka, and checking flight status in real-time.

History and Development: The Path to "Solar Seeds"

The history of Solaseed Air is an inspiring example of how a regional airline was able to overcome formation difficulties, find its unique niche, and become a symbol of Kyushu island hospitality. The carrier's journey began long before the appearance of the recognisable green planes, with an ambitious idea to link southern Japan with the capital via affordable flights.

Foundation and the Era of Skynet Asia Airways

The company's roots go back to 1997, when Skynet Asia Airways was founded in Miyazaki Prefecture. It was a time of deregulation in the Japanese aviation market, giving new players a chance to challenge industry giants. After five years of preparation, in 2002, the company's liner made its first commercial flight on the Miyazaki — Tokyo (Haneda) route.

The early years were not easy: the young carrier faced fierce competition and financial difficulties. However, thanks to the support of local Kyushu authorities and a strategic partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), the company was able to stabilise its operations while preserving its independence and regional flair.

Birth of the Solaseed Air Brand

A turning point in history came in 2011, when a massive rebranding was launched. The name Skynet Asia Airways gave way to a new, poetic name Solaseed Air. This is a neologism created from the English words "Solar" and "Seed".

The new brand philosophy reflected the desire to "sow smiles" all over Japan and warm passengers with the heat of the southern sun. At the same time, the famous pistachio-green aircraft livery appeared, symbolising freshness, energy, and the rich nature of Kyushu.

Fleet Evolution and Network Expansion

The development of the route network went hand in hand with updating the aircraft fleet. Initially operating Boeing 737-400s, the company made a strategic decision to switch to more modern and economical next-generation Boeing 737-800s.

By the mid-2010s, Solaseed Air had fully unified its fleet. The new liners were equipped with Boeing Sky Interior cabins with improved lighting and luggage bins, which significantly increased passenger comfort on flights to cities such as Nagasaki, Oita, and Kagoshima.

The "Sorakoi" Project and Connection with Regions

One of the company's unique innovations was the launch of a regional promotion project — "Sorakoi" (Love for the Sky / Love for the Region). Each Solaseed Air aircraft is dedicated to a specific municipality on Kyushu or Okinawa.

Decals with city mascots are applied to the fuselages, and inside the cabin, flight attendants talk about the attractions of a specific region. This allowed an ordinary flight to Fukuoka or sunny Okinawa to be turned into a small excursion, introducing tourists to the culture of their destinations even before landing.

Modern Stage: Alliance of North and South

The newest chapter in Solaseed Air's history began in 2021-2022. In response to pandemic challenges and a changing market, the company announced a historic merger with another regional airline — AIRDO, based on the northern island of Hokkaido.

Together, they created the holding company Regional Plus Wings Corp. Despite combining management resources to increase efficiency, both brands retained their unique identity. Now Solaseed Air (wings of the south) and AIRDO (wings of the north) work together, symbolically connecting opposite ends of the Japanese archipelago via their hubs, including through the city of Nagoya and capital region airports.

Today, Solaseed Air continues to develop, introducing digital services and expanding its presence at airports, for example, by increasing flight frequency from Osaka (Kobe), remaining true to its mission — to be reliable wings for residents and guests of Kyushu.