A Boeing 767 (286-seater), the first aircraft introduced by AIRDO (Sapporo), which was used for 22 years since December 1998, completed its final flight in a round trip between New Chitose and Haneda airports on January 20. The retirement comes as part of cost reducing measures brought about by the spread of Coronavirus infections.

　At a ceremony held at New Chitose Airport to coincide with the plane’s final, 12:20 p.m. flight bound for Haneda, company C.E.O Kusano spoke of “a deep attachment to the aircraft that continuously supported AIRDO through the good times as well as the not so good times”. Company employees bode farewell to the aircraft while holding a “Thank you for 22 years” banner at the boarding gate as passengers took commemorative photos of the plane. “It’s done so well to continue flying until now. I’ll take this flight with a feeling of appreciation,” said a company employee from the city of Utsunomiya in Tochigi prefecture.

　A total of 129 passengers boarded the final flight, which departed almost on time. Cabin crew wearing the original ‘salopettes’ uniform were also aboard the flight.