Orlando International Airport Celebrates Historic ZIPAIR Flight Between Tokyo and Orlando

Orlando International Airport welcomed the inaugural ZIPAIR flight between Tokyo-Narita and MCO, which touched down on Monday February 23rd at 13:35. This milestone marks the first-ever passenger charter service between Orlando and the Asia Pacific.

ZIPAIR's Inaugural passenger Charter Flight Between Tokyo-Narita (NRT) and Orlando (MCO) is Greeted at MCO with a Traditional Water Cannon Salute on Monday, February 23, 2026 - Courtesy Orlando International Airport

On Monday (February 23, 2026), Orlando International Airport (MCO) welcomed ZIPAIR’s inaugural flight between Tokyo-Narita (NRT) and MCO, with the flight touching down at 13:35 on Monday, February 23rd.  This marks the first-ever passenger charter service between Florida and the Asia Pacific region.  MCO airport staff marked the occasion with a press conference that featured Mark Morimoto, Regional Director of Marketing and Sales, ZIPAIR, and Jeff van Langeveld, Vice President, International Marketing & Sales, Disney Destinations. Tokyo and Orlando are both Disney destinations.  Monday’s arrival of ZIPAIR’s flight brought 280 guests from Tokyo, including dozens of Disney enthusiasts.

In Monday’s announcement, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s (GOAA’s) CEO, Lance Lyttle, said,

“This arrival marks a special partnership with ZIPAIR and a special moment in Orlando International’s history.  Orlando and Tokyo are two of the world’s most visited destinations.  I am hopeful that this connection will help to enrich cultural ties and create more opportunities bust economic activity.”

Also commenting on the milestone flight, GOAA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vicki Jaramillo, said,

“Today’s arrival of ZIPAIR’s Flight 714 is the culmination of promoting Orlando as a viable route for the past 30 years.  This work could not have been done without the incredible Air Service Development team and partners such as Mickeynet, Visit Orlando, Experience Kissimmee and others who remained steadfast in recruiting an airline to service the Asia Pacific.”

ZIPAIR passengers were greeted by a traditional water salute on the runway, and live music and refreshments in Terminal C.  Arriving passengers enjoyed the festivities and the chance to take the inaugural flight.  ZIPAIR’s Tokyo-Orlando charter service will also operate on February 28th, March 5th, and March 10th.  All flights will depart Narita International Airport during the afternoon and arrive in Orlando in the afternoon, while flights departing Orlando during the afternoon will arrive in Tokyo in the evening.

Photo Gallery of the Arrival of ZIPAIR's Inaugural Passenger Charter Flight Between Tokyo-Narita and Orlando and Airport Festivities on Monday, February 23, 2026 - Courtesy Orlando International Airport - Courtesy Orlando International Airport

The announcement about ZIPAIR’s charter service was made in October 2025 at a press conference in Tokyo, and both MCO and ZIPAIR leadership anticipate that the charter service will lay a foundation for additional flights between the two destinations.

Source: Orlando International Airport