Tag Archives: jal

Global SuperTanker Services to shut down, fate of “944” is uncertain

Global SuperTanker Services operates a Boeing 747-400 SuperTanker “944” that has been contracted to fight many forest fires, mainly in the western United States, as well as Israel in 2016 and Chile in 2017.

The company is facing an uncertain future.

The financial backers have decided to no longer support the operation financially according to Fire Aviation. According to this report, the company ceased operations this week unless it can find new investors. Any new investors will have to resolve issues brought up by the governing bodies (see letter below).

The company is in discussions with several possible buyers and investors to replace the current group. The aircraft may also be sold as a freighter.

Meanwhile the 2021 fire season in the western United States is just starting.

Above Copyright Photo: JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 747-446 JA8086 (msn 25308) NRT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 901544.

The airframe previously operated for JAL – Japan Airlines as JA8086 (above) and with Evergreen International Airlines as N492EV.

Joel Kerley, Chair, National Interagency Aviation Committee wrote the following letter to the company last year forcing the shutdown this year:

National Wildfire Coordinating Group National Interagency Aviation Committee

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30 April 2020
Dan Reese, President, Global SuperTanker Services, LLC Joel Kerley, Chair, National Interagency Aviation Committee

Global SuperTanker Services Approved for Interim Approval of Retardant Delivery System in Boeing 747-400

This memo is in response to the Global SuperTanker Services (GSTS) letter dated March 20, 2020 in requesting interim approval of the retardant delivery system of Boeing 747-400.

The Interagency Air Tanker Subcommittee (IABS) has elevated GSTS’s request for a seventh interim approval to the National Interagency Aviation Committee (NIAC), which is the parent committee for IABS. The IABS does not support any further interim approvals without correcting some issues originally identified in the 2009 test of the system that included failure to meet coverage level 3 & 6, retention of retardant in the system after drop, aeration of the retardant causing trail off, and inconsistent flight profiles affecting retardant coverage.

Due to the current national situation regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), NIAC will issue an eighth interim approval to GSTS. However, NIAC will not support, nor issue a ninth interim until GSTS successfully passes all requirements of the 2013 IABS Criteria. This must be completed prior to December 31, 2020.

In order to be issued a ninth approval, GSTS must successfully pass all requirements of the 2013 IABS Criteria. The IABS will continue working with GSTS through static and grid testing to ensure all criteria requirements are fully passed. Once all requirements are passed, all deficiencies are corrected, and no new deficiencies are identified, the IABS will issue an additional interim approval for field evaluations. The number of static and grid tests to pass the standard will depend on the corrections made to the system. If continued or new failures are identified, further testing will be required until the system meets the requirements prior to consideration of an interim approval.

Videos:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfktVYlw67k&w=560&h=315%5D

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAI9L8L1mmI&w=560&h=315%5D

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

Top Copyright Photo: Global SuperTanker Services Boeing 747-446 (Tanker) N744ST (msn 25308) SBD (Michael B. Ing). Image: 950975.

Japan Airlines announces international network plan through September 30, 2021

Japan Airlines (JAL) announced partial revisions to its international flight frequency plans through September 30, 2021.

Key highlights include:
– To increase scheduled service from Narita-Bangkok to five per week from the month of June to provide seamless connections for customers from North America.
– To increase service between Narita-Bengaluru to once per week from the month of June.
– In order to accommodate customers traveling to cities outside of Tokyo, the carrier will operate extra section flights as shown below.
a) One flight from Dallas Fort Worth to Nagoya Chubu in May and July, respectively
b) One flight from Los Angeles to Nagoya Chubu in June
c) One flight per week from London to Osaka Kansai through the months of July and August
d) Increase one scheduled flight from Los Angeles to Osaka Kansai in June

The carrier will continue to review travel restrictions within each destination and update its international network plan, while asking for our customer`s understanding during this unprecedented time. Schedules are valid as of April 1 and are subject to government approvals

The JAL Group has taken proactive steps to implement and strengthen key measures against COVID-19 to provide customers a safe and secure travel experience. As a result of the carrier`s proactive health safety measures, JAL was certified and awarded by Skytrax and APEX in March 2021.

01APR21 Press Memo Visual2.png

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Note: For schedules between July-September, the data shown above do not include routes to Vladivostok, Southeast Asia, Hawaii and Guam. Details will be announced at a later date.

Extra Section Flights to Chubu Centrair Airport
To support essential travel needs for customers planning to return to Central Japan during the summer, JAL will operate one-way flights from Dallas Fort Worth and Los Angeles. Tickets will be available for sale April 2. (11:00am Japan Time)

01APR21 Press Memo Visual5.png

Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines seek antitrust immunized joint venture

Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines have filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) seeking immunity from antitrust laws to create a joint venture (JV) that promises significant advantages for consumers.

If approved, this will be Hawaiian’s first JV, and the first JV in the United States that does not involve one of the three largest U.S. carriers.

The antitrust immunized joint venture (ATI-JV) will build upon the codeshare partnership that the two carriers initiated in March, allowing them to coordinate marketing and sales efforts and share costs and revenue on their joint venture routes. In their application, Hawaiian and JAL demonstrate that the resulting efficiency will create a cascade of consumer benefits including lower fares, increased capacity and enhanced consumer choice.

Hawaiian and JAL estimate that the JV will bring an additional 162,000 to 350,000 passengers to Hawai’i and contribute between $184.5 million and $402.3 million to the U.S. economy annually, while generating between 1,855 to 4,049 U.S. jobs.

“We have long admired JAL’s excellent service, which corresponds well with the authentic Hawaiian hospitality we offer,” said Peter Ingram, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. “This joint venture will combine two premier brands in the highly competitive Japan–Hawaii market, and travelers from both of our countries will benefit.”

“Through our new partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, we hope to boost travel of not only Japanese visitors to and through the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, but also that of Hawaii residents seeking to travel to and beyond Japan to Asian countries on our seamless networks,” said Yuji Akasaka, president of Japan Airlines.

If approved, the ATI-JV would facilitate Hawaiian Airlines’ enhanced access to 34 destinations throughout Japan, including Nagoya and Okinawa, as well as 11 points in Asia beyond Japan. Japan Airlines, in turn, will have improved access to Hawaiian’s Neighbor Island network as well as its non-stop flights to Honolulu from Haneda and Sapporo.

Top Copyright Photo: Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330-243 N361HA (msn 1823) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 940251.

Hawaiian Airlines aircraft slide show:

JAL aircraft slide show:

Bottom Copyright Photo: JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner JA872J (msn 35428) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 941936.

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.

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(*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.

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【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:

Japan Airlines and Boom announce a partnership for supersonic air travel

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Boom Supersonic have announced a strategic partnership to bring commercial supersonic travel to passengers.

While new and advanced technologies are changing our lives significantly, flight times for air travel have stayed relatively constant. Boom is developing a new-generation supersonic aircraft, which flies at Mach 2.2 and will cut flight times in half. Through this agreement, JAL will provide its knowledge and experience as an airline to support Boom in developing the aircraft.

As part of the agreement, JAL has made a strategic investment of $10 million (USD) in Boom and is collaborating with the company to refine the aircraft design and help define the passenger experience for supersonic travel. JAL also has the option to purchase up to 20 Boom aircraft through a pre-order arrangement. The two companies will cooperate closely to realize faster and more convenient air travel.

“We’ve been working with Japan Airlines behind the scenes for over a year now,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. “JAL’s passionate, visionary team offers decades of practical knowledge and wisdom on everything from the passenger experience to technical operations. We’re thrilled to be working with JAL to develop a reliable, easily-maintained aircraft that will provide revolutionary speed to passengers. Our goal is to develop an airliner that will be a great addition to any international airline’s fleet.”

“We are very proud to be working with Boom on the advancement in the commercial aviation industry. Through this partnership, we hope to contribute to the future of supersonic travel with the intent of providing more `time` to our valued passengers while emphasizing flight safety ,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines.

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

Boom Aircraft Specifications

Entry into Service: Mid-2020s Maximum Range: 8,334km

Cruise Speed: Mach 2.2 45-55 Business Class Type Seating

Boom Supersonic is a Denver-based company dedicated to removing the barriers to experiencing the planet, starting by building a Mach-2.2 airliner economical enough to operate with business-class fares. Boom is backed by venture capital firms such as 8VC, RRE, Lightbank, Y Combinator, and Caffeinated Capital, as well as angel investors including Sam Altman, Paul Graham, and Greg McAdoo.

Video:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-HbJn3LAHc&w=560&h=315%5D

Japan Airlines and Aeroflot launch a comprehensive partnership

Japan Airlines (JAL) Aeroflot Russian Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a strategic cooperation agreement to pursue commercial opportunities which will greatly benefit the customers of both airlines by providing more options for travel between Russia and Japan.

Since the relaxation of visa requirements to the nationals of Japan and Russia from January 1, 2017, the demand between the two countries has been steadily increasing and the two airlines have agreed to work together to further stimulate travel between the two countries.

As a first step, JAL and Aeroflot have agreed to start codeshare cooperation between Japan and Russia as well as Aeroflot’s domestic flights, and JAL’s domestic and international flights. The first stage of the codeshare cooperation is planned to be implemented after fiscal year 2018.

In addition to the codeshare cooperation, JAL and Aeroflot will pursue the development of the partnership in various areas, including frequent flyer programs, airport relocation, while considering a joint business in the future.

Japan Airlines currently operates four weekly flights to Moscow Domodedovo Airport from Tokyo Narita Airport using Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Between July to October 2017, the frequency had temporarily increased to seven flights per week to accommodate the demand during the peak summer season in 2017.

Aeroflot operates daily nonstop flights year-round from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport to Tokyo Narita Airport. Flights from Moscow are operated with Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

Top Copyright Photo: JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner JA828J (msn 38438) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 909162.

JAL:

Aeroflot:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Aeroflot Russian Airlines Airbus A330-343 VQ-BCV (msn 1072) GVA (Paul Denton). Image: 911403.

JAL introduces a newly painted “JAL Doraemon JET” on select China routes

Japan Airlines (JAL) has been promoting Doraemon as its campaign character in China since August 2016. Doraemon is one of the most famous characters representing Japan, and tremendously popular in China among all age groups.

JAL will introduce a newly painted Doraemon Jet (Boeing 787-8 JA837J) on select China routes in 2017, and launch its “Travel with Doraemon Campaign.”

The newly painted Doraemon Jet will operate between Tokyo (Haneda) and Beijing, and between Haneda and Guangzhou from Thursday, May 18, 2017. The Doraemon character painted on the aircraft adopted a specifically original design, inheriting from the original Doraemon Jet, which was introduced on the Tokyo (Narita) – Shanghai (Pudong) route in 2016.

Drinks will be served onboard in special Doraemon paper cups and postcards will also be available.

Period of Operation/Applicable route :

Haneda – Beijing (JL021/022)

May 18 (Thursday) ~ May 27 (Saturday)

June 2 (Friday) ~ July 7, 2017 (Friday)

Haneda – Guangzhou (JL087/088)

May 28 (Sunday) ~ June 1 (Thursday)

July 8 (Saturday)　~ July 31, 2017 (Monday)

Image: JAL.

GPS artist Yassan and Japan Airlines create a global message of Peace On Earth

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT2mqIuExLI&w=560&h=315%5D

JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo) has released this statement:

In a truly global work of art, Guinness World RecordsTM-holding GPS artist Yassan has created a massive, international artwork around the theme of world peace and in the process, is attempting to break his own record for the largest GPS drawing for the world to share.

With the help of Japan Airlines Company, Ltd and select member airlines of the oneworld® alliance, Yassan’s latest project covered over 65,700 miles (105,734 km), beginning in Tokyo and ending in Mexico, traveling through 6 continents and 24 cities, creating a planetary-scale GPS holiday message for the world. The finished piece of GPS art spells “PEACE” across the planet.

Creative agency STORIES® produced a documentary video holiday card containing images of Yassan’s journey and the people and places he encountered along the way to help send Yassan’s message of peace around the world.

In 2010, Guinness verified Yassan’s previous work as the world’s largest GPS drawing, where he spent 6 months traveling 4,451 miles across Japan to propose to his girlfriend. The image spelled out “MARRY ME” across the length and breadth of Japan’s three main islands, with a heart covering the northern island of Hokkaido. She accepted his proposal!

In order to create his GPS drawings, Yassan carries an iPhone and GPS tracker that records his location data as he travels. He then uploads this information to create a drawing on a map.

Yassan (Yasushi Takahashi) was born in Saitama Prefecture, Japan and graduated from Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music . He is interested in geo-located media, and his work has been showcased in over 2,000 TV, print, news and web publications worldwide.

STORIES, LLC is a full-service production, commercial and literary management company based in Tokyo with international arm STORIES INTERNATIONAL INC., in Los Angeles. A subsidiary of SEGA and Hakuhodo DY Group, STORIES creates award-winning content by connecting Hollywood with international brands.

Founded in 1951, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd became Japan’s first international airline. A member of the oneworld® alliance, JAL now reaches more than 305 airports in 51 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners with a modern fleet of more than 220 aircraft.

JAL is coming back to Dallas/Fort Worth

JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo) will restore the Tokyo (Narita) – Dallas/Fort Worth route on November 30. The restored route will be operated with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners four days a week.

American Airlines issued this statement welcoming back JAL to DFW:

American Airlines is pleased to welcome fellow oneworld alliance member and Pacific Joint Business partner Japan Airlines (JAL) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with its return to service between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and DFW starting November 30, 2015. American will add its code to the route.

American currently operates twice-daily service from DFW to NRT with Boeing 777-200 aircraft. JAL will offer customers service four days per week with Boeing 787-8 aircraft fitted with the airline’s latest cabin interiors and seats in a three-class configuration and is considering scheduling daily service for spring 2016.

“On behalf of American’s 100,000 employees, we welcome our joint business partner, Japan Airlines, to our great hub in Dallas/Fort Worth,” said Andrew Nocella, American’s chief marketing officer. “American is making great strides to expand our presence in Asia, and this partnership represents a key component of that effort. This new service complements American’s existing service and brings more choice for our customers traveling between Asia and the U.S., providing more opportunities to connect Asia to South America. Japan Airlines is an honorable partner and a great friend to American.”

“We are pleased to announce the return of Dallas/Fort Worth to our international network, which becomes our eighth gateway in North America and our fourth U.S. service launch in just over three years,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines. “By making full use of the efficiencies of the Dreamliner as well as capitalizing on our even stronger relationship with American Airlines, we are confident this resumed service will provide even more valuable links for commercial and cultural exchanges for our customers in both regions and beyond.”

“We are honored to welcome back Japan Airlines to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and are excited about the outstanding connectivity and customer service they will provide to passengers flying to Japan and throughout Asia,” said Sean Donohue, chief executive officer of DFW Airport. “With the addition of this new flight to Tokyo, coupled with partner American Airlines’ two daily flights, DFW Airport will further support our mission to connect the world to Dallas Fort Worth.”

American and JAL commenced their Pacific Joint Business partnership in April 2011, and have since greatly expanded customer benefits including better flight schedules, expanded codesharing, more coordinated services and greater access to a wider variety of fares.

JAL will offer a special bonus mile campaign for JAL Mileage Bank loyalty program members. For details, refer to the JAL website.

Copyright Photo: Fred Freketic/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner JA839J (msn 34853) taxies at New York’s JFK International Airport (JFK).

JAL aircraft slide show:

Japan Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

JAL-Japan Airlines (Tokyo) has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The pictured 787-9 JA861J (msn 35422) was handed over by Boeing to the carrier on May 14 but it did not arrive at the Narita International Airport base until June 11 according to our partner ZipanguFlyer. The jetliner seats 195 in a three-class layout with 44 Sky Suite (business), 35 Sky Premium (premium economy), and 116 Sky Wider II (economy) seats. The new type is expected to enter revenue service on the Tokyo (Narita) – Jakarta (Soukarno-Hatta) route on July 1.

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All photos by JAL.

JAL-Japan Airlines aircraft slide show:

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