StarFlyer
A Japanese scheduled airline offering distinctive all-black Airbus A320 service on domestic routes and a short-haul link to South Korea.
About StarFlyer
StarFlyer is a Japanese scheduled airline founded in 2002 as Kobe Airlines, adopting its present name in 2003 and beginning passenger operations in 2006. Headquartered in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, it developed as a boutique-style alternative on busy Japanese routes. The company is publicly listed in Japan, while ANA Holdings has held a significant ownership interest and StarFlyer maintains commercial cooperation with ANA, including codesharing on selected domestic flights.
Tokyo is the airline's busiest departure point, while Kitakyushu remains central to its identity and operating network. StarFlyer operates 8 routes serving 5 destinations across 2 countries: Tokyo, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Osaka and Busan. Its network is therefore compact, concentrating on high-demand links between major Japanese cities and a short-haul international connection to South Korea rather than attempting broad regional coverage.
The fleet is built around the Airbus A320 family, recorded as Airbus Industrie A320 aircraft. StarFlyer's aircraft are known for their black exterior livery and a relatively spacious, single-cabin layout compared with many high-density short-haul operators. Passenger service generally includes assigned seating, in-flight entertainment or connectivity depending on the aircraft, and complimentary refreshments on eligible services, although the precise offering can vary by route and operating conditions.
StarFlyer does not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Its commercial relationship and codeshare arrangements with ANA can nevertheless make some flights accessible through ANA sales channels, subject to the ticket and flight number booked. The airline's own loyalty programme is Star Link, through which members can earn and redeem points under programme rules. Benefits, accrual rates and eligibility depend on the fare type and operating carrier.
A principal strength is the airline's more considered cabin environment, particularly for travellers seeking comfort on short domestic sectors. Its limited network is also its clearest constraint: direct options are concentrated in five cities, and many journeys beyond them require a separate flight or connection. Travellers should also distinguish between StarFlyer-operated tickets and ANA codeshares because baggage, mileage and change conditions may follow the marketing carrier's rules.
Good to know
Flying with StarFlyer — what to expect
Compact Route Network
StarFlyer serves 5 destinations across 2 countries, so check whether an onward journey requires a separate connection. Its schedule is focused on major Japanese city links and Busan.
Roomier A320 Cabin
The airline's Airbus A320 aircraft generally use a less densely configured cabin than many short-haul competitors. Seat features can differ by aircraft, so review the flight details before choosing a seat.
Codeshare Flight Numbers
Some StarFlyer services are sold through ANA under codeshare flight numbers. Confirm the marketing and operating carrier because mileage credit, changes and certain service rules can depend on how the ticket was issued.
Check Baggage Rules
Carry-on and checked-baggage allowances vary by fare and ticketing arrangement. Review the allowance shown on your confirmation, especially when connecting to another airline.
Allow Connection Time
Tokyo is the busiest departure point, while Kitakyushu and Fukuoka are also important origins. Leave sufficient time when transferring between separate tickets or between airports in the same metropolitan area.
Network overview
Where StarFlyer flies
StarFlyer operates 8 routes to 5 destinations across 2 countries, its longest sector reaching Fukuoka to Tokyo (882 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities StarFlyer flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Fukuoka → Tokyo
882 km · FUK → HND
The longest sector in the StarFlyer network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by StarFlyer
Notable destinations on StarFlyer's network.
7GTokyodirect7GKitakyushudirect7GFukuokadirect7GOsakadirect7GBusandirectDestination list is indicative of StarFlyer's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Japan
Other airlines based in Japan
FAQ
StarFlyer — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- StarFlyer's longest route is Fukuoka to Tokyo, about 882 km nonstop.
- StarFlyer serves exactly 5 destinations across 2 countries and operates 8 routes.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices shown.
- StarFlyer fares are often lower when booked early for off-peak travel, particularly outside weekends, public holidays and major Japanese holiday periods. Compare nearby dates and fare conditions because the least expensive tickets may have stricter change or cancellation rules.
- StarFlyer's carry-on baggage must comply with the airline's current size, weight and item limits, which may depend on the aircraft or ticket arrangement. Check the allowance on your booking before travel, particularly for ANA-marketed codeshare flights.
- Tokyo is StarFlyer's busiest departure hub, with Kitakyushu serving as a core operating base closely tied to the airline's headquarters and identity. Fukuoka, Osaka and Busan are its other departure points.
- The busiest departure points are Tokyo, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Osaka and Busan, in that order by number of routes. These correspond to the principal airports StarFlyer uses in each city.
- StarFlyer flies to Tokyo, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Osaka and Busan. Its network covers domestic Japanese services plus a short-haul international connection to South Korea.