TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan airline Apex Aviation has applied for permission to operate charter flights between Taiwan and Japan's Yonaguni Island.

The company said on Wednesday (Sept. 18) that it applied for permission to the Civil Aviation Authority and that it hopes to begin flights in 2025, per CNA. Apex Aviation said the route is suitable for its aircraft because Yonaguni is the closest of Japan's islands to Taiwan.

Apex Aviation said it would fly its 11-seat Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft on the route, if approved. It said if a preparation permit is approved it will begin test flights to Ishigaki Island, which is slightly further east than Yonaguni.

The airline did not say which airport it hoped to depart Taiwan from. Yonaguni Airport is 145 kilometers from Hualien Airport and about 160 km from Taipei’s Songshan Airport. 

There are currently no direct flights or ferries between Yonaguni and Taiwan. In July, Taiwan’s then legislative speaker traveled to the island by boat and said he hoped it would pave the way for future ferry routes.