Japan Airlines boasts a storied history and a strong reputation in the airline industry. Since its inception, Japan Airlines has evolved from a domestic airline into a leading global carrier.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this leading Japanese airline. In no particular order, here are 15 facts about Japan Airlines, covering topics such as its history and current operations.
1. When was Japan Airlines established?
Japan Airlines was formed in 1951.
The airline was created by the Japanese government in a bid to increase the nation’s growth following World War II.
2. The airline’s inaugural international flight took place three years later
According to Japan Airlines’ official website, the airline’s inaugural international flight took off from Tokyo in 1954.
The service was to San Francisco via Wake Island (a coral atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean) and Honolulu. At the time, the one-way fare cost ¥234,000 (1,624.00 USD today).
3. Japan Airlines is often abbreviated
Japan Airlines is regularly abbreviated as JAL.
This abbreviation is widely recognized in the aviation industry.
4. National flag carrier
There are several airlines based in Japan, including All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Peach, but it is Japan Airlines that holds the distinction of being the country’s national flag carrier.
The airline has been Japan’s national flag carrier since its inception in 1951.
5. The airline’s headquarters is located in Tokyo
The headquarters of Japan Airlines is located at Nomura Real Estate Bldg., 2-4-11 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo.
The airline also has various offices around the world.
6. JAL has two major hubs
The airline’s main hubs are located in Tokyo at Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport.
The airports are more than 75km apart, with Haneda Airport being closer to the center of Tokyo.
7. The JAL Group has a fleet of over 200 aircraft
According to Japan Airlines’ official website, the JAL Group – the parent company of Japan Airlines – has over 200 aircraft in its fleet, including those operated by its subsidiaries such as ZIPAIR Tokyo and Spring Japan.
However, the aircraft used by Jetstar Japan, a joint venture with Qantas and Tokyo Century Corporation, are not included in this count. The fleet includes aircraft such as the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-8.
8. The JAL Group includes several subsidiary airlines
Japan Airlines has several subsidiary airlines, including J-Air, Japan Air Commuter, Japan Transocean Air, Jetstar Japan (a joint venture airline also involving Qantas and Tokyo Century Corporation), Hokkaido Air System, Ryukyu Air Commuter, Spring Japan, and ZIPAIR Tokyo.
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9. Japan Airlines is a member of a major airline alliance
Japan Airlines has been a member of the oneworld alliance since April 1, 2007.
The oneworld alliance was originally formed in February 1999 by American Airlines, British Airways, the now-defunct Canadian Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.
10. The airline serves destinations around the world
As of this wriring, JAL serves destinations in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania.
11. JAL has four classes of service
Japan Airlines provides four cabin classes: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class.
However, not all classes are available on every flight. For instance, JAL’s Boeing 737-800s on domestic routes offer only Economy and Business Class, while the airline’s Boeing 777-300ERs feature all four classes.
Meanwhile, JAL’s Sky Suites, introduced in 2008, are available on select flights operated by Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
12. The airline has a frequent flyer program
JAL’s frequent flyer program is called the JAL Mileage Bank.
In 2012, Japan Airlines revealed its JAL Mileage Bank frequent flyer scheme had over 25 million members.
Through the program, members can earn flight miles and achieve tier status, whether it be JMB Crystal, JMB Sapphire, JGC Premier, or JMB Diamond, depending on their flying habits.
13. JAL has received numerous awards
Japan Airlines has received numerous accolades over the years, including recently being awarded the World’s Best Premium Economy Class at the Skytrax World Airline Awards.
Additionally, JAL was certified as a 5-star airline by Skytrax for the seventh consecutive year back in April.
14. Japan Airlines began offering “SKY MANGA” on its flights
In 2013, JAL introduced “SKY MANGA,” making it the first airline to offer an in-flight manga library as part of its entertainment options. Manga, which are comics and graphic novels, are widely popular in Japan.
15. JAL has many codeshare agreements
Japan Airlines has codeshare agreements – arrangements allowing airlines to sell tickets under their own flight numbers for flights operated by other carriers – with its fellow oneworld partners, as well as airlines such as Air Astana (which was recently announced), Aeroméxico, Air France, Emirates, Garuda Indonesia, Jetstar Japan, Korean Airlines, LATAM, and Air Tahiti Nui.
This article was updated on October 9, 2024.
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