Shihai Airways

Shihai Airways (Japanese: 支配エアウェイズ) is the flag carrier of Shihaisha. Shihai Airways operates all of its flights from its exclusive terminal at hub airport Shiroku International Airport. It will have its first flight to Sapporo on November 13, 2012. It hopes to have a good presence in the international markets to increase interest and tourism in Shihaisha.

Official airlines
Before the founding of Shihai Airways, there was no flag carrier of Shihaisha. Instead, many airlines serving closer countries such as Japan Airlines were known as "official airlines" to the country. The country wasn't ready for its own airline, and thus needed foreign airlines to serve the country. The country also didn't have enough funding to start up an airline. As of now, these official airlines have a major presence in Shihaishan airports.

Founding
A national airline for the country was finally started in 1997. It was named Shihaisha National Airlines (支配者国立航空 Shihaisha kokuritsu kōkū). The fleet consisted of 7 DC-9's leased from Delta Airlines. The airline was said to have bad service, mainly coming from the cabin age. "The walls were run down and deteriorated and the food was not great," said one passenger. Many still preferred to fly the major airlines to their destinations.

Bankruptcy
The airline did not get enough revenue to stay alive. Some residents dubbed it as the "worst airline in Asia" and that it should cease operations. The government did not stop the airline's operations, and let it run. In 2000, the airline went bankrupt and many destinations were stopped. In 2001, the 9/11 attacks reduced the airline's usage even further. The airline could not do anything about it, and in early-2002, the airline ceased operations.

Planning
In mid-2009, the economy of Shihaisha became stable again. Shihaisha decided it was time for a new airline to represent them, and that the Shihaishan Transportation Board help plan it. The name had been chosen to be Shihaishan Airlines and to start flying in 2011. There were many delays with the planning and coordination, thus causing the first flight to be postponed to 2012.

Founding
The airline was finally confirmed to start flying in 2012 under the name Shihai Airways. The name change was made in order to simplify the name for the airports. The planned fleet would consist of 38 737-800's and 5 767-300ER's leased from ANA. The airline got major attention in the area and soon, ticket booking was allowed on May 11, 2012.

Fleet
Shihai Airways' fleet will consist of the following:

Destinations
Main Article: Shihai Airways destinations

Shihai Airways currently flies to 14 destinations. It is taking into consideration on flying to many more destinations. It has hubs at Shiroku International Airport and Kingston International Airport.

Codeshare agreements
Shihai Airways has codeshare flights with the following airlines:

*Canadian Airlines

Cabin
When the idea for Shihaisha's flag carrier came up, the government envisioned an airline with First, Business, and Economy class. It would have been modern and spacious. Although a few months before it's first widebody jet arrived, cabin plans were changed. It would change to Business and Premium Economy/Economy. All single-aisle jets although, have the Premium and Economy class seatings. Mood lighting is featured all throughout the plane with lightings for boarding, flight, meals, sleep, and arrival.

Jigosai Class
Jigosai Class is the business class product on Shihai Airways. It is the highest cabin class on the airline and features many amenities like lie-flat bed, mini bar, flat screen, and a remote-operated door suite on the 777-300ER and the upcoming Shikome 18. On the 787 and 767 aircraft, it features a shell-type seat and a maximum pitch of 48 inches and features a pull-out TV and tray table, along with a power outlet on all widebody aircraft. All Jigosai Class seatings are 2-2-2.

Shitaisa-Lux
Shitaisa-Lux is the premium economy product on Shihai Airways. It is the smallest cabin class out of all and is featured on the 737, 777, C300 aircraft, and Shikome 18. On the 737 and C300, Shitaisa-Lux is more of a domestic first-class type of seat. It has leather seats in a 2-2 seating arrangement and has a maximum pitch of 39 inches. All seatbacks are equipped with touch-screen televisions, complimentary headrests, and armrests fitted with outlets. On the 777, seating is 2-4-2 and has a maximum pitch of 38.5 inches. Seats are not leather, but cotton. There are complimentary pillows and armrests are also fitted with outlets. Seatbacks are equipped with remotes and a TV.

Shitaisa Class
Shitaisa Class is the economy class product on Shihai Airways. It is the largest cabin class and is featured on all aircraft. They all feature cotton-fitted seats with a black seatback. All seats are equipped with a small TV screen and a remote to control it. On the 737 and C300 arrangements are 3-3, and on the 767, 777, 787, and Shikome 18, 3-3-3. Maximum seat pitch is 34 inches. All passengers flying Shitaisa Class must pay for meals and drinks.