On October 1, 2024, RegionalPlus Wings consolidated the maintenance functions of Air Do and Solaseed Air, the two airlines’ holding company announced on the same day. At the same time, the holding company’s maintenance section was established, succeeding its maintenance department preparation section.
Efficiency improvements and cost reduction are, according to RegionalPlus Wings’ statement, among the reasons behind the merging of Air Do and Solaseed Air’s maintenance departments into one department within the holding company. The airline also expects the move to improve safety and quality assurance by consolidating the two airlines’ expertise and the creation of an improved environment for developing talent.
The new section within the holding company comprises of 342 employees including 188 from Air Do and 154 from Solaseed Air. It will be responsible for the maintenance of all aircraft in the two airlines’ fleets, which include four 767-300ERs and eight 737-700s for Air Do and 14 737-800s for Solaseed Air.
RegionalPlus Wings received the necessary approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to engage in aircraft maintenance at Tokyo Haneda, Sapporo New Chitose, Hakodate, Obihiro, Memanbetsu, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Naha airports on September 26, 2024.
The holding company was formed in 2022 when Air Do and Solaseed Air, regional airlines focusing primarily on connecting Hokkaido and Kyushu with the rest of Japan, respectively, merged. While part of the same company, the two airlines are expected to maintain their separate brands.
