About 25 pilots are preparing to take off for an around-the-world flight on six small propeller planes at the beginning of June, journey organizers said.
According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Japan -- a Tokyo-based group of about 300 private plane owners and pilots -- the participating aviators will leave Asahikawa airport in central Hokkaido on June 1.
They will fly eastward on a route that will include the Russian Far East, Canada, India and Southeast Asia. They are expected to arrive at Naha airport in Okinawa on June 30, organizers said Sunday.
Until now, the association has made long-distance flights to Southeast Asia and Australia. Plans to fly around the world can now be realized after Russia last year approved flights by private planes.
Association members said they want to use the opportunity to promote small aircraft.