Monthly Archives: January 2018

Emirates to launch services to Santiago de Chile via Sao Paulo

Emirates has announced its plan to launch a new, five times a week, service from Dubai to Santiago International Airport (SCL), via the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo, starting on July 5, 2018.

The new service will see Emirates fly an additional five times a week to Sao Paulo, complementing the airline’s existing daily Airbus A380 flight between Dubai and Sao Paulo. In total, Emirates will now fly 12 times a week to Sao Paulo. Emirates’ Santiago flight will be a linked service with Sao Paulo, meaning that customers in South America can now travel between the two cities in unprecedented style and comfort. Citizens from both Brazil and Chile only need ID cards to travel to either country.

The new route will be operated with a two-class configured Boeing 777-200LR which offers 38 Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration and 264 seats in Economy Class. The new 777 flight will also offer up to 14 tonnes of capacity for cargo, opening up access to more global markets for Chilean exports such as fish, seafood, cherries, flowers and general perishable goods.

Flight EK263 will depart Dubai on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturday and Sundays at 09:05hrs local time, arriving in Sao Paulo at 17:00, before departing again at 18:30 and arriving into Santiago at 21:40 on the same day. The return flight EK264 will depart Santiago on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturday and Sundays at 01:10 local time, arriving in Sao Paulo at 05:55. EK264 will depart once again from Sao Paulo at 07:45 bound for Dubai where it will arrive at 05:15 the next day.

Emirates aircraft slide show:

First Airbus A321LR successfully completes its first flight

Airbus’ first A321LR (Long Range), msn 7877, has accomplished its first flight following a mission lasting 2 hours and 36 minutes. The aircraft powered by CFM Leap-1A engines is now set to undergo a nearly 100 hour flight test programme, including trans-Atlantic missions, for EASA and FAA Type Certification in Q2 2018. Entry into service is targeted for Q4 2018.

The aircraft’s crew comprised: Experimental Test Pilots Yann Beaufils and Peter Lofts as well as Flight Test Engineers Frank Hohmeister, Jim Fawcett, Cedric Favrichon and Cabin Specialist Alexander Gentzsch. During the flight, the crew tested the aircraft’s flight controls, engines and main systems including flight envelope protections, both at high and low speed.

The A321LR features a new door configuration, enabling its operators to accommodate up to 240 passengers in Airbus’ widest Single Aisle fuselage in the sky. The new Airspace by Airbus cabin available on the A320 Family additionally enhances the passengers’ unrivalled travel experience. With further options, combining an increased Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) of 97 tons and a third Additional Centre Fuel Tank (ACT), the aircraft’s range extends to 4000nm (7400 km), allowing airlines to tap into new market opportunities.

Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 20 percent by 2020. With more than 1900 orders received from over than 50 customers, to date the A321neo has captured a solid 80 percent market share, making it the true aircraft of choice in the Middle of the Market.

Photos: Airbus.

AeroMexico to operate its last Boeing 777-200 revenue flight

AeroMexico (Mexico City) is retiring its last Boeing 777-200 from the fleet. The Triple Seven fleet has been replaced with newer Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

According to Airline Route, the last revenue flight is currently scheduled for February 26, 2018 between Buenos Aires (Ezeiza) and Mexico City as flight AM 031.

The carrier added the type on March 23, 2006 with N745AM.

AeroMexico aircraft slide show:

Air Canada to launch new domestic western regional routes, Vancouver – Delhi route to become year-round

Air Canada has announced it will begin new domestic regional nonstop flights on July 2, 2018.

“We are pleased to offer new nonstop flights onboard our Bombardier Q400s between popular BC and Alberta cities as we continue to strategically expand our already extensive domestic network,” said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada. “With the continued growth at several communities on Vancouver Island and in the BC Okanagan, we see the opportunity to add new nonstop services and provide additional convenient travel options.”

“With Alberta being such a key market, the new direct flights into Kelowna, Victoria and Comox are great news for British Columbia’s visitor economy,” said Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia. “Air Canada’scommitment to servicing these routes is not only a huge boost for the individual communities, it is also a major benefit for the Thompson Okanagan and Vancouver Island regions as a whole.”

Top Copyright Photo: Air Canada Express-Jazz Aviation Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) C-GGNW (msn 4388) YYC (Chris Sands). Image: 925782.

Air Canada Express-Jazz Aviation aircraft slide show:

Route and frequency	Flight	Departs	Arrives
Edmonton-Kelowna – year-round	AC8395 YEG-YLW	Edmonton at 08:40	Kelowna at 08:59
	AC8403 YEG-YLW	Edmonton at 16:05	Kelowna at 16:24
Kelowna-Edmonton – year-round	AC8394 YLW-YEG	Kelowna at 09:30	Edmonton at 11:51
	AC8404 YLW-YEG	Kelowna at 16:55	Edmonton at 19:16
Edmonton-Victoria – seasonal	AC8095 YEG-YYJ	Edmonton at 08:40	Victoria at 09:40
	AC8053 YEG-YYJ	Edmonton at 16:00	Victoria at 17:00
Victoria-Edmonton – seasonal	AC8086 YYJ-YEG	Victoria at 10:10	Edmonton at 12:55
	AC8088 YYJ-YEG	Victoria at 17:30	Edmonton at 20:15
Calgary-Comox – seasonal	AC8362 YYC-YQQ	Calgary at 10:05	Comox at 10:58
	AC8361 YQQ-YYC	Comox at 11:30	Calgary at 14:14

These new routes complement Air Canada’s previously announced new nonstop North America routes beginning 2018:

Toronto to: Omaha, Providence, Nanaimo, Kamloops
Montreal to: Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Victoria
Edmonton to: San Francisco
Vancouver to: Sacramento

Air Canada will launch new international services in 2018 including:

Toronto to: Shannon (Ireland), Porto (Portugal), Zagreb (Croatia), Bucharest (Romania), Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Montreal to: Tokyo–Narita (Japan), Dublin (Ireland), Bucharest (Romania), Lisbon (Portugal)
Vancouver to: Paris (France), Zurich (Switzerland)

In other news, Air Canada also announced that its current seasonal nonstop Vancouver–Delhi flights will become year-round starting June 8, 2018.

Above Copyright Photo: The first Boeing 777-300 has now been repainted in the new livery. Air Canada Boeing 777-333 ER C-FITL (msn 35256) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 940829.

Air Canada aircraft slide show:

Ryanair and BALPA sign UK Recognition Agreement

Ryanair on January 30, 2018 confirmed that it has signed a formal Union Recognition agreement with BALPA (British Airline Pilots Association), who will now be the sole representative body for Ryanair employed Pilots in the UK.

This agreement follows extensive negotiations with BALPA since Ryanair’s December announcement that it was willing to recognise Unions for collective bargaining purposes. While these recognition negotiations were continuing with BALPA, the 6 remaining Ryanair UK Bases (including Stansted) voted – in secret ballot – to accept pay increases of up to 20%, which had already been agreed by a majority (9) of other UK bases. These pay increases mean Ryanair’s UK pilots are earning 20% more than competitor 737 pilots (Norwegian and Jet2).

Ryanair welcomes the positive and constructive engagement of BALPA which led to the formal signing of this recognition agreement within 5 weeks of the first meeting. This recognition agreement with BALPA is significant because the UK accounts for almost 100 of Ryanair’s 400+ current aircraft fleet and over 25% of Ryanair’s pilot body. Ryanair looks forward to working with BALPA and its newly elected BALPA Ryanair Company Council.

Ryanair’s Chief People Officer Eddie Wilson said:

“Welcoming this UK recognition agreement, we are pleased today to announce this UK recognition agreement with BALPA on behalf of our directly employed pilots in the UK. The UK accounts for 25% of Ryanair’s fleet and pilot numbers. This agreement validates the decision of Ryanair’s Board in December to recognise unions, and the fact that we have delivered pay rises of up to 20% and union recognition for our pilots in our largest market, shows how serious Ryanair is about working constructively with unions that are willing to work constructively with us.

This rapid progress in the UK is in marked contrast to some other EU countries where we are still waiting for a response to our recognition proposals and where some unions have failed to put these substantial pay increases to our pilots. We now call on these unions to stop wasting time and act quickly to deliver 20% pay increases to our pilots in February, and conclude formal recognition agreements, which they are presently sitting on. Ryanair will not allow these unions to delay pay increases to our pilots. In Dublin for example, where just 35% of our pilots have not yet received this pay increase, we have warned FÓRSA/IALPA that we will offer it to these pilots individually if they refuse / fail to organise a vote among just 35% of our Dublin pilots on this pay increase on/before 31 Jan.

This agreement between Ryanair and BALPA shows that Ryanair can work with unions that wish to work with us to promote the interests of both our pilots and our customers.”

Ryanair aircraft slide show:

Seventh Lufthansa Airbus A350-900 touches down in Munich

Lufthansa has welcomed its seventh Airbus A350-900, a plane with the registration of D-AIXG, to Munich. On February 1, after a short downtime for upgrading, the “Mannheim” will take off on its first scheduled flight. With a total fleet size of seven aircraft, Lufthansa will be offering its customers six new destinations with the A350-900 in the summer flight schedule: Seoul as of February 1, New York (EWR), Chicago and Denver from March 25 onwards, and Singapore as of March 27. Vancouver will become the newest A350-900 destination on May 1. Lufthansa is already flying the most modern member of its fleet to Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, Boston, Delhi and Mumbai. “When the summer flight schedule goes into effect, our passengers will be able to enjoy flights on the world’s most modern long-haul aircraft to six additional destinations. The A350-900 is quiet and fuel-efficient, with a cabin that won the German Design Award,” says Wilken Bormann, CEO Hub Munich.

In late 2017, Lufthansa won the “German Design Award 2018” in the category “Excellent Product Design”. The jury commended the creation of a unique travel environment. The Economy Class of the A350-900 has seats in various shades of blue and offers passengers additional comfort: The seats have new ergonomic cushions and more space for storing personal items. The design for the A350 Economy Class was developed by the agency PearsonLloyd Design Ltd.

The A350-900 seats 293 passengers: 48 in Business Class, 21 in Premium Economy and 224 in Economy Class. The aircraft is the world’s most modern and eco-friendly long-haul aircraft. It uses 25 percent less kerosene, has 25 percent lower emissions and is significantly more quiet during take-off than comparable aircraft models. Lufthansa has ordered a total of 25 of these state-of-the-art jetliners.

Photo: Lufthansa.

SBA Airlines AOC is suspended

SBA Airlines (Caracas) has announced its Air Operators Certificate (AOC) on January 26, 2018 was suspended for 90 days by the El Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil (INAC) of Venezuela.

The airline must now demonstrate it can meet the current technical and financial regulations before its AOC can be restored.

Announcement by the airline in Spanish:

Top Copyright Photo: SBA Airlines Boeing 767-3P6 ER YV528T (msn 24349) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 104287.

SBA Airlines aircraft slide show:

Boeing reports record 2017 results

Boeing issued this report:

Fourth-Quarter 2017

Record operating earnings of $3.0 billion with operating cash flow of $2.9 billion on strong performance
GAAP EPS of $5.18 and core EPS (non-GAAP)* of $4.80 on strong deliveries, performance and tax reform

Full-Year 2017

Record operating cash flow of $13.3 billion; repurchased 46.1 million shares for $9.2 billion
Revenue of $93.4 billion reflecting a record 763 commercial deliveries
Backlog remains robust at $488 billion, including a record 5,864 commercial aircraft
Cash and marketable securities of $10.0 billion provide strong liquidity

Outlook for 2018

Operating cash flow expected to increase to approximately $15.0 billion
Revenue guidance of between $96.0 and $98.0 billion reflects commercial deliveries of between 810 and 815
2018 GAAP EPS of between $15.90 and $16.10; core EPS (non-GAAP)* of between $13.80 and $14.00

Table 1. Summary Financial Results

Fourth Quarter

Full Year

(Dollars in Millions, except per share data)

2017

2016

Change

2017

2016

Change

Revenues

$25,368

$23,286

$93,392

$94,571

(1)%

GAAP

Earnings From Operations

$3,030

$2,183

39%

$10,278

$5,834

76%

Operating Margin

11.9%

9.4%

2.5 Pts

11.0%

6.2%

4.8 Pts

Net Earnings

$3,132

$1,631

92%

$8,197

$4,895

67%

Earnings Per Share

$5.18

$2.59

100%

$13.43

$7.61

76%

Operating Cash Flow

$2,904

$2,832

$13,344

$10,499

27%

Non-GAAP*

Core Operating Earnings

$2,676

$2,064

30%

$8,970

$5,464

64%

Core Operating Margin

10.5%

8.9%

1.6 Pts

9.6%

5.8%

3.8 Pts

Core Earnings Per Share

$4.80

$2.47

94%

$12.04

$7.24

66%

* Non-GAAP measures. Complete definitions of Boeing’s non-GAAP measures are on page 7, “Non-GAAP Measures Disclosures.”

The Boeing Company reported fourth-quarter revenue of $25.4 billion with GAAP earnings per share of $5.18 and core earnings per share (non-GAAP)* of $4.80 reflecting record deliveries and strong performance, as well as favorable tax reform of $1.74per share (Table 1).

Revenue was $93.4 billion for the full year reflecting deliveries mix with GAAP earnings per share of $13.43 and core earnings per share (non-GAAP)* of $12.04 reflecting strong execution and favorable tax reform.

“Across Boeing our teams delivered a record year of financial and operational performance as they focused on disciplined execution of production and development programs, growing services, and delivering value to customers,” said Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg. “That performance enables increased investments in our people and our business, and greater cash return to shareholders.”

“In 2017 we delivered the first 737 MAX airplanes, launched the 737 MAX 10 and completed the 787-10 first flight, all while delivering more commercial airplanes than ever before. We flew the first KC-46 Tanker to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force, were awarded an initial contract for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program, and a contract to provide 36 F-15 fighters to Qatar. We launched Boeing Global Services during the year, to deliver greater lifecycle value, and achieved growth that outpaced the market.”

“We actively positioned for future markets and growth by developing new products and services, investing to build vertical capabilities, launching the HorizonX innovation organization and bringing in new capabilities, including the acquisition of Aurora Flight Sciences. Looking forward, our team remains focused on winning through innovation, driving growth and productivity and extending our position as the world’s leading aerospace company – delivering the best value to our customers, our employees and our shareholders.”

Virgin Atlantic is adding four Airbus A330-200s

On social media, Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) announced the addition of its first Airbus A330-200 to the fleet:

Say hello to “Daydream Believer”, an Airbus A330-200 that’s the latest addition to our fleet.

Video:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjXeA01rlS8&w=560&h=315%5D

Virgin Atlantic is adding four ex-Airberlin Airbus A330-200s.

The aircraft will be flying from Manchester to New York-JFK (starting on March 1), Atlanta (March 2), Barbados (May 17), San Francisco (May 22) and Boston (May 23).

According to the carrier, “These aircraft will add resilience to our flying program in light of an industry-wide shortage of Trent 1000 engines used on our Boeing 787 aircraft.”

The four additions:

Airbus A330-223 G-VMNK (msn 403, ex D-ALPA) “Daydream Believer”

Airbus A330-223 G-VWND (msn 476, ex D-ALPF) “Scarlett O’Hara”

Airbus A330-223 G-VMIK (msn 432, ex D-ALPB) “Honky Tonk Woman”

And a fourth to be registered as G-VLNM “Strawberry Fields”

Each of the aircraft will feature 19 fully flat beds in Upper Class, 45 extra leg room economy seats and 222 economy seats.

Top Copyright Photo: The Airbus A330-200s will join with the A330-300s already in the fleet. Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A330-343 G-VINE (msn 1231) LHR (SPA). Image: 940830.

Virgin Atlantic aircraft slide show:

J-Air retires its last two Bombardier CRJ200s

J-Air on January 31, 2018 operated its last Bombardier (Canadair) CRJ200 regional jet revenue flights. The last flight was operated with JA208J which arrived at Osaka (Itami) from Matsuyama as flight JL2310 at 20:19 (8:19 PM) local time on spot number 24.

JA209J previously arrived from Fukuoka as flight JL2058 at 17:22 (5:22 PM) local time.

In other news, parent JAL – Japan Airlines previously announced its fleet plans for Fiscal Year 2018:

JAL Group (JAL) on January 18, 2018 announced its flight frequency and fleet plans on both international and domestic routes during FY2018 (ending March 31, 2019).

In December 2017, JAL announced double daily service between Tokyo (Narita) = Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Osaka (Kansai) = Honolulu through October 27, 2018. (*1) Based on recent travel demands, the carrier confirmed today that it will extend and maintain 14 flights per week for both routes until March 30, 2019.

Also, in an effort to match the demand between Japan and Russia following the relaxation of visa requirements, JAL will offer seasonal daily flights on its Tokyo (Narita) = Moscow (Domodedovo) service from July 1 through October 27.

The highly acclaimed JAL SKY SUITE configured aircraft (*2) will be introduced on the carrier`s second daily Tokyo (Haneda) = Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) service from August 1, 2018, which allows both flights from Haneda to feature the carrier`s top-of-the-line seat products in all classes of travel.

In addition, JAL will progressively change aircraft configurations through the first half of FY2018. For routes in the US, the carrier will increase seat capacity on flights to/from Dallas Fort Worth by implementing the 787-9 aircraft from May 1, featuring 44 fully-flat Business Class seats, 35 Premium Economy seats, and 116 seats in Economy Class. During Japan`s summer peak travel season (Aug. 10 – Aug 17, 2018), JAL will offer First Class service on one of its Tokyo (Narita) = Honolulu route by operating the 777-300ER aircraft. In other major changes, one of JAL`s Tokyo (Narita) = Manila service will start offering Premium Economy service from July 1, when the 787-9 aircraft is implemented on this route. For the full list, please refer to the chart below.

Moving forward to Japan-domestic routes, JAL will continue to improve the quality of its products and services with a focus on the JAL SKY NEXT aircraft (*3). The carrier will also offer up to 18 daily flights on its Haneda = Sapporo (New-Chitose) routes during the peak travel season to adjust to the demand for this market. For aircraft changes, JAL will expand operations of the Embraer 190 (*4), which features Class J and Free Wi-Fi Video Program services primarily on regional flights to and from Osaka (Itami) airport.

Furthermore, JAL will inaugurate new routes between the islands of Tokunoshima = Okinoerabu = Okinawa (Naha) from July 1, 2018, to connect travel between the Amami islands (*5) and Okinawa (Naha), also known as the “Amami Islands Hopping Route.”

All flights and schedules listed on this release are subject to government approval.

The JAL Group will continue to embrace new challenges to deliver greater customer convenience and comfort, enhance its networks, and improve the quality of products and services.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

(*1) JAL Group Announces Flight Frequency Increase in FY2018 – Dec 19 Release – Dec 1 Release

(*2) For more information about JAL SKY SUITE configured aircraft, please visit https://www.jal.co.jp/en/newsky/

(*3) For more information about JAL SKY NEXT service, please visit www.jal.co.jp/en/skynext/

(*4) For service with J-AIR’s EMBRAER190, please visit http://press.jal.co.jp/en/release/201701/004127.html

(*5) Amami Islands include Amami Oshima Island, Kikaijima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Okinoerabu Island and Yoron Island.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

【International Network – Flight Frequency Increase】

Route	Flight No.	Effective Period	Aircraft Type	Details
Osaka (Kansai) = Honolulu	JL8792/8791	Oct. 28, 2018 ~ Mar. 30, 2019	787-8	Maintain 14 weekly (*6)
Tokyo (Narita) = Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)	JL717/718	Oct. 28, 2018 ~ Mar. 30, 2019	787-8 (SS8) 787-9 (SS9II)	Maintain 14 weekly (*6)
Tokyo (Narita) = Moscow (Domodedovo)	JL421/422	Mar.25 ~ Jun.30, 2018	787-8 (SS8)	4 weekly ⇒ 5 weekly
		Jul. 1 ~ Oct. 27, 2018		5 weekly ⇒ 7 weekly
		Oct. 28, 2018 ~		7 weekly ⇒ 4 weekly

(*6) Reservations and ticket sales for the flights after October 28 will begin January 24, 2018 (2:00PM Japan Time).

【JAL SKY SUITE Configured Aircraft – Additional Route】

Route

Flight No.

Effective Period

Details

Tokyo (Haneda) =

Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

JL033/032

Aug. 1, 2018 ~

787-8 ⇒ 777-200ER (SS2) (*7)

(*7) Premium Economy service will be available. Reservations and ticket sales will begin January 24, 2018 (2:00PM Japan Time).

【Aircraft Change】

Route	Flight No.	Effective Period	Details
Tokyo (Narita) = Dallas Fort Worth	JL12/11	May 1, 2018 ~	787-8 (SS8)	⇒	787-9 (SS9)
Tokyo (Narita) = Hanoi	JL751/752	May 1, 2018 (*8)~	787-8 (SS8)	⇒	787-9 (SS9)
Tokyo (Narita) = Honolulu	JL782/789	Aug. 1, 2018 ~	777-200ER(SS2)	⇒	787-9 (SS9II)
Tokyo (Narita) = Honolulu	JL782/789	Aug. 10 ~ 17, 2018	787-9 (SS9II)	⇒	777-300ER(SS7)(*16)
Tokyo (Narita) = Jakarta	JL729/720	Apr. 8, 2018 (*9) ~	767-300ER(SS6)	⇒	787-8 (SS8) (*17)
Tokyo (Narita) = Manila	JL741/742	Jul. 1, 2018 ~	767-300ER(SS6)	⇒	787-9 (SS9II) (*17)
Tokyo (Narita)=Hong Kong	JL735/736	Apr. 8~May 6, 2018 (*10)	787-9 (SS9)	⇒	767-300ER (SS6)
Tokyo (Narita)=Hong Kong	JL735/736	May 7, 2018 (*11) ~	767-300ER(SS6)	⇒	787-8
Tokyo(Haneda)=Seoul(Gimpo)	JL095/090	Aug. 1, 2018 (*12) ~	767-300ER	⇒	787-8
Tokyo (Haneda) = Beijing	JL025/020	May 6, 2018 (*13) ~	787-8	⇒	767-300ER
Tokyo (Narita) = Beijing	JL869/860	Mar. 25~Jun.7, 2018 (*14)	767-300ER(SS6)	⇒	787-8 (SS8) 767-300ER
Tokyo (Narita) = Beijing	JL869/860	Jun. 8, 2018~ (*15)	787-8 (SS8) 767-300ER	⇒	737-800

(*8) Aircraft of JL752 will be changed from May 2, 2018. (*9) Aircraft of JL720 will be changed from Apr. 9, 2018.

(*10) Aircraft of JL736 will be changed from Apr. 9 to May 7, 2018. (*11) Aircraft of JL736 will be changed from May 8, 2018.

(*12) Aircraft of JL090 will be changed from Aug. 2, 2018. (*13) Aircraft of JL020 will be changed from May 7, 2018.

(*14) Aircraft of JL860 will be changed from Mar. 26 to Jun. 8, 2018. (*15) Aircraft of JL860 will be changed from Jun. 9, 2018.

(*16) First class service will be available.　Reservations and ticket sales will begin January 24, 2018 (2:00PM Japan Time).

(*17) Premium Economy class service will be available. Reservations and ticket sales will begin January 24, 2018 (2:00PM Japan Time).

【Domestic Network – Flight Frequency Increase】

Route	Effective Period	Details	Remarks
Tokyo (Haneda) = Sapporo (New-Chitose)	Mar. 25 ~ Apr. 30, 2018 Jul. 1 ~ Aug. 31, 2018	16 daily ⇒ 17 daily	42 days within this period (*18)
Tokyo (Haneda) = Sapporo (New-Chitose)	Mar. 1 ~ Jul. 13, 2018 Sep.1 ~ Oct. 27,2018	16 daily⇒17 or 18 daily	(*18)
Osaka (Itami) = Sapporo (New-Chitose)	Jul. 1 ~ Aug. 31, 2018	4 daily ⇒ 5 daily	6 daily flight from Jul. 14 to Aug. 31
Osaka (Itami) = Okinawa(Naha)	May. 7 ~ May. 31, 2018	2 daily ⇒ 3 daily
Osaka (Itami) = Sendai	May. 7, 2018 ~	7 daily ⇒ 8 daily
Sapporo (New-Chitose) = Memambetsu	Jun. 1 ~ Aug. 31, 2018	3 daily ⇒ 4 daily
Fukuoka = Tokushima	Mar. 25, 2018 ~	1 daily ⇒ 2 daily
Okayama = Okinawa (Naha)	May. 8 ~ May. 19, 2018	1 daily ⇒ 2 or 3 daily	12 days within this period (*18)
Kagoshima = Yakushima	Apr. 1, 2018 ~	4 daily ⇒ 5 or 6 daily	(*18)
Kagoshima = Amami Oshima	Mar. 25 ~ Mar. 31, 2018 Apr. 26, 2018 ~	7 daily ⇒ 8 or 9 daily	(*18)
Kagoshima = Yoron	Jun. 15 ~ Jun. 30, 2018	1 daily ⇒ 2 daily
Tokunoshima = Okinoerabu	Jul. 1, 2018 ~	0 daily ⇒ 1 daily	New route
Okinawa (Naha) = Okinoerabu	Jul. 1, 2018 ~	0 daily ⇒ 1 daily	New route
Amami Oshima = Yoron	Jul. 1, 2018 ~	0.5 daily (*19) ⇒ 1 daily

(*18) For more information, please visit http://www.jal.co.jp/en

(*19) Amami Oshima – Yoron is operated on Tue, Thu. and Sat. Yoron – Amami Oshima is operated on Mon. Wed. Fri. and Sun.

【Flight Frequency Decrease】

Route	Effective Period	Details	Remarks
Osaka (Itami) = Fukuoka	May. 7 ~ May. 31, 2018 Jul. 1 ~ Aug. 31, 2018	4 daily ⇒ 3 daily
Osaka (Itami) = Izumo	May. 7, 2018 ~	5 daily ⇒ 4 daily	(*20)
Nagoya (Chubu) = Sapporo (New-Chitose)	May. 7 ~ May. 31, 2018	5 daily ⇒ 4 daily

(*20) 4 daily flights will be operated with the EMBRAER170 from May 7, 2018.

【Flight Suspension】

Route	Effective Period	Details	Remarks
Amami Oshima = Okinoerabu	Jul. 1, 2018 ~	0.5 daily (*21) ⇒ 0 daily	(*23)
Okinoerabu = Yoron	Jul. 1, 2018 ~	0.5 daily (*22) ⇒ 0 daily	(*23)

(*21) Amami Oshima – Okinoerabu will be operated on Mon. Wed. Fri. and Sun. Okinoerabu – Amami Oshima will be operated on Tue, Thu. and Sat.

(*22) Okinoerabu – Yoron will be operated on Mon. Wed. Fri. and Sun. Yoron – Okinoerabu will be operated on Tue, Thu. and Sat.

(*23) Flight suspension due to change of connection point associated with the inauguration of the “Amami Islands Hopping Route”.

【Major Aircraft Change】

EMBRAER170 → EMBRAER190 DHC-8-400 → EMBRAER170

(76 Economy) (15 Class J/80 Economy) (74 Economy) (76 Economy)

Route	Effective Period	Route	Effective Period
Tokyo (Haneda) = Yamagata	Mar. 25, 2018 ~	Osaka (Itami) = Oki	May 7, 2018 ~ (*24)
Tokyo (Haneda) = Misawa	Mar. 25, 2018 ~	Osaka (Itami) = Tanegashima	Aug. 1 ~ Aug. 31, 2018 (Seasonal operation)
Osaka (Itami) = Akita	May. 7, 2018 ~	(24) Boeing 737-800 will be operated Aug. 1-31*
Osaka (Itami) = Matsuyama	May. 7, 2018 ~
Sapporo (New-Chitose) = Aomori	Aug. 1, 2018 ~

Boeing 737-400 → Boeing 737-800 SAAB340B/DHC-8-400 → ATR 42-600

(20 Class J/125 Economy) (20 Class J/145 Economy) (36 Economy) (74 Economy) (48 Economy)

Route	Effective Period	Route	Effective Period
Okinawa (Naha)=Kumejima	May. 22, 2018 ~	Osaka (Itami) = Tajima	May. 7, 2018 ~
Tokyo (Haneda) = Kumejima	Jul. 14~Aug. 31, 2018 (Seasonal operation)	Osaka (Itami) = Yakushima	May. 7, 2018 ~
		Fukuoka = Yakushima	Jul. 1, 2018 ~
		Amami Oshima = Tokunoshima	Jul. 1, 2018 ~

Copyright Photo: JAL-Japan Airlines (J-Air) Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) JA204J (msn 7643) CTS (Robbie Shaw). Image: 933465.

J-Air aircraft slide show:

World Airline News

Smart airline news, brief, and to the point!