Patriot Express switches to new carrier

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Travelers will notice some changes with the Patriot Express when World Airways begins service April 2. 

One noticeable change will be the type of aircraft. Northwest Airlines currently transports Patriot Express travelers with an A330 aircraft. Under the new contract with World Airways, passengers will fly on the carrier's DC-10 which allows for approximately 15 more seats. 

The second change to the service will be the travel route. 

"The mission will originate in Seattle on Thursday, fly to Yokota Air Base, then Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Station, and ultimately arrive at Kadena on Friday where it will remain overnight," said Master Sgt. Richard Malik, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron passenger services superintendent. 

The passenger services superintendent added that the flight will depart Saturday morning and return to the U.S. using the same route. 

Beginning in April, the DC-10 will arrive at Kadena at approximately 1:30 p.m. Fridays and depart Kadena 9 a.m. Saturdays. Passengers on travel orders such as TDY or PCS can check-in on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Roll call for space-available travelers will also be scheduled earlier. 

For more information, call the AMC Passenger Terminal at 634-2159/0153.