THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
October 2, 2021 at 07:00 JST
A Star Flyer Inc. aircraft (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
KITA-KYUSHU--Star Flyer Inc. said it plans to allow passengers to board flights with pets from early next year, the first system of its kind in Japan.
It will mark the first time for small dogs and cats to travel with their owners on regular domestic flights. Animals are currently consigned to the cargo hold with luggage.
Trials are being held Oct. 1-3 during a daily round trip between Kita-Kyushu and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to assess safety and other issues.
Selected passengers must keep pets caged during the flight and at the airports. They are seated in the rearmost row of the aircraft and are not allowed to provide animals with food..
Star Flyer said the policy change is aimed at better responding to customers’ air travel needs.
“We are looking to introduce the service early next year after examining other passengers’ responses and security challenges via trial flights,” an airline representative said.
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