Toki Air — an up-and-coming regional airline based in Niigata that launched services in 2024.
Toki Air is an independent, emerging regional airline that was founded in Niigata City in 2019 and launched commercial services in January 2024. Based at Niigata Airport, it operates routes to destinations such as Okadama (Sapporo), Nagoya and Naha. The company's name derives from the crested ibis (toki), a Special Natural Monument of Niigata Prefecture, expressing its affection for the region as a symbol of Niigata's skies.
It operates the latest-generation ATR 72-600 turboprop and aims for sustainable aviation with outstanding fuel efficiency and environmental performance. Because services began so recently, it offers pilots a rewarding environment in which they can gain the valuable experience of supporting the company from its founding period. As an independent carrier, it is characterized by fast decision-making and a flexible workplace culture.
* Figures are reference values based on public data and industry benchmarks. Verify actual compensation with each airline's official recruitment information.
| Position | Salary Range | Avg / Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain International widebody |
¥12M–¥17M |
¥14M | Pre-tax |
| First Officer Seniority-based |
¥6.5M–¥9.5M |
¥8M | Seniority-based |
Compensation is paid in Japanese yen (figures are pre-tax; standard Japanese income tax applies). A bonus is paid twice a year on a performance-linked basis and is being expanded as the airline grows. A separate Niigata work allowance (regional allowance) is provided in addition to base pay, and pilots receive a flight (duty) allowance — framed as a new-airline package for captains and a start-up allowance for first officers. Loss-of-license insurance is in place, covering both on-duty and off-duty incidents. Amounts are in JPY; convert to your local currency for comparison.
Modeled from the captain / first-officer ranges above, sliced into standard career stages. Bands marked est. are derived from those ranges (not official); verified bands come from active-pilot data. Management pay is crowd-sourced from verified pilots.
| Career Stage | Years | Annual (pre-tax) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / Trainee | ≤2 yrs | ¥3M–¥4.5M | est. |
| First Officer — Junior | 3–5 yrs | ¥6.5M–¥7.9M | est. |
| First Officer — Mid | 6–10 yrs | ¥7.3M–¥8.7M | est. |
| First Officer — Senior | 11–15 yrs | ¥8.2M–¥9.5M | est. |
| Captain — New | 15–18 yrs | ¥12M–¥14.3M | est. |
| Captain — Mid | 19–24 yrs | ¥13.4M–¥15.6M | est. |
| Senior Captain | 25+ yrs | ¥14.8M–¥17M | est. |
| Management / Instructor / Examiner | — | Data wanted | crowd-sourced |
Toki Air is building out its route network from its Niigata base. Current scheduled routes include Niigata ⇄ Okadama (Sapporo), serving Hokkaido; Niigata ⇄ Nagoya (Komaki); and Niigata ⇄ Naha, a north–south route spanning the length of Japan — with further route expansion planned as the Niigata-centered network is developed. As an emerging carrier, it offers the latest ATR 72-600 turboprop technology, the reward of supporting the company's growth from its founding period, hands-on experience with Niigata's distinctive weather (rough winter conditions on the Sea of Japan side), and a flexible operating structure run by a small, elite team.
ATR 72-600 — a 70-seat, latest-generation ATR turboprop. Operations are centered on a single hub at Niigata (KIJ). As an independent, emerging carrier that launched in 2024, the fleet and route network are still being built out and expanding.
Type-rating training on the ATR 72-600 is conducted at ATR-certified simulator facilities. Pilots master advanced systems including the latest glass cockpit, FMS and ACARS. The ATR 72-600 is a next-generation turboprop with excellent environmental performance.
Training to handle the rough weather characteristic of the Sea of Japan side in winter (strong winds, snowfall, low visibility). Pilots learn the meteorological characteristics of Niigata Airport and hone the skills to operate safely under any conditions.
A training setup unique to a newly established airline in its early days of operation. Thanks to small class sizes, pilots receive dense, hands-on instruction and can experience a wide range of duties early on — including the chance to help build the rules and culture themselves.
As a new airline, opportunities for upgrade to captain positions tend to be plentiful. Ongoing proficiency is verified through recurrent proficiency checks once or twice a year, in compliance with the review standards of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
Discounted Toki Air tickets for employees and their families. As a founding-era employee, you can take part in shaping the discount program itself.
Niigata Prefecture's rich food culture (Koshihikari rice, sake, seafood) and natural environment. A fulfilling living environment that is also close to ski resorts.
Enrollment in the company health insurance society. Pilot-specific health management support. Loss-of-license insurance fully provided.
A valuable chance to join a newly established airline from its founding period. Build your career alongside the company's growth, with the possibility of contributing from a position close to management.
Childcare-leave and family-care-leave systems are in place. A small, elite team is building an environment where colleagues support one another and it is easy to work.
Type-rating training costs are covered by Toki Air. As a new company, its programs are being continuously developed, with enhancements planned as the company grows.
Hiring status: Actively hiring
Actively hiring, as the airline is in an early growth stage soon after launch. Please check the official Toki Air website for the latest information.
| Airline | Captain (range) | First Officer | Income Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toki Air 🇯🇵 | ¥12M–¥17M | ¥6.5M–¥9.5M | ~33% (Japan) |
| ANA 🇯🇵 | ¥22M–¥35M | ¥14M–¥21M | ~33% (Japan) |
| JAL 🇯🇵 | ¥22M–¥35M | ¥14M–¥21M | ~33% (Japan) |
* Salary figures are SSOT reference values (pre-tax unless marked tax-free). ANA / JAL shown as the Japan baseline — ~33% income tax applies in Japan, so after-tax take-home is lower than the headline. Tax-free carriers pay 100% take-home. Verify exact figures with each airline.
Toki Air captain pay averages about ¥14M per year (range ¥12M–¥17M), pre-tax. Figures are reference values based on public data and industry benchmarks.
Toki Air first officer pay averages about ¥8M per year (range ¥6.5M–¥9.5M), pre-tax, rising with seniority — see the Career Ladder above for the year-by-year breakdown.
Toki Air Pilot Recruitment — First Officer (F/O) / Captain — experienced-hire recruitment (actively hiring to expand services). Key requirements — Eligibility: Holder of a Commercial Pilot License (multi-engine / instrument) or an Airline Transport Pilot License; Location: Niigata Airport, Niigata Prefecture; English: Aviation English Proficiency Certificate, Level 4 or above. Actively hiring, as the airline is in an early growth stage soon after launch. Please check the official Toki Air website for the latest information.
Toki Air captains average ¥14M, versus roughly ¥27M at ANA / JAL. Both figures are pre-tax; Japan applies ~33% income tax.