All Nippon Airways, ANA, has opened a new route between Naha and Iwakuni, a city in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The inaugural flight on the daily round trip took place Sunday, Mar. 27th.

The direct flights between the cities are the first in 17 years. Last time the route was active began in July 1977 and the flights were stopped a year and half later.

Iwakuni City Mayor Yoshihiko Fukuda said at the opening ceremony that, “We want to enhance tourism, economics, culture and many other areas between our two prefectures.

Initially, the line is scheduled to operate through Oct. 29th. ANA officials say the company will evaluate the profitability of the route and re-consider the schedule in August.

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