Tag: JAL (Page 1 of 2)

Fiery plane crash at Tokyo Haneda Airport kills 5 Coast Guard crew members

January 2, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, January 2, 2023 – Airbus regrets to confirm that an A350-900 operated by Japan Airlines was involved in an accident during flight JAL516 from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to Haneda International Airport shortly after 17:47 (local time) on 02 January 2024. All 367 passengers and 12 crew members on-board evacuated the aircraft.

The A350 collided with a DHC-8 aircraft at landing in Haneda. The Japanese authorities have since confirmed that sadly five of the six people on board the DHC-8 did not survive. The exact circumstances of the event are still unknown. The aircraft involved in the accident, registered under the number JA13XJ, was MSN 538, delivered to Japan Airlines from the production line on 10 November 2021.

In line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 recommendations, Airbus will provide technical assistance to the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) of France and to the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) in charge of the investigation. For this purpose, Airbus is presently dispatching a team of specialists to assist the Authorities.

JAL and REGENT sign agreement to study Seaglider operations in Japan

October 8, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Tokyo, Japan – Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 9201) and REGENT Craft Inc. (Headquarters: United States, CEO: Billy Thalheimer, hereinafter referred to as “REGENT”) have announced the signing of a comprehensive partnership agreement to establish a system for seaglider operations in Japan. The agreement follows a strategic investment in REGENT made earlier this year by JAL Innovation Fund, the CVC of JAL. Through this agreement, the two companies aim to implement next-generation mobility where people can move safely and comfortably with zero emissions.

The all-electric seagliders being developed by REGENT are wing-in-ground effect craft that fly several meters above the water on a cushion of air trapped between the wings and the water’s surface. Seagliders are attracting attention as a new form of sustainable mobility, further expanding the possibilities of new transportation methods that do not place a burden on the environment, as well as the development of new markets.

The new agreement signifies a commitment to deepen business development between the two companies. With the goal of establishing a system of seaglider operations in Japan, JAL aims to utilize its accumulated knowledge of safe operation while REGENT brings its technological expertise to the table. Together, the companies will collaborate to drive awareness and understanding of seagliders in the region, identify jurisdictions for seaglider operations by JAL and JAL Group operators, develop infrastructure for seaglider operations – including a planned demonstration flight in 2025 – and obtain certification for the safe operation of electric seagliders. In addition, JALUX Co., Ltd. (location: Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Satoru Takahama) will act as a sales agent for the maritime craft.

Japan Airlines and Kammui announce Strategic Alliance for Adventure Tourism Market

July 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

As compared to more conventional forms of travel, AT has greater per capita consumption and
economic impact for regional development, and is becoming increasingly popular in Europe, the U.S.,
and elsewhere, globally. AT is especially popular amongst wealthy individuals who value the
importance of contributing to the local communities through travel. While demand for AT in Japan has
been growing in line with increases in inbound travel, there remains a shortage of skilled guides and
appropriate infrastructure conducive to welcoming international visitors.

Kammui and Japan Airlines (OTC: JAPSY) has entered a strategic alliance involving various initiatives to enhance AT in Japan
with the goal of developing the market for premium tourism, with a focus on inbound travelers. Kammui
and JAL will leverage their respective strengths to create premium content encouraging travelers to
reconnect to nature in innovative ways and inspire more people to experiences Japan’s nature.

In cooperation with the Japan Adventure Tourism Association (JATO), where JAL belongs as one
of the regular members, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the largest industry
organization in the AT field, JAL and Kammui will work together to develop human resources
capable of promoting AT, with the goal of promoting world-class AT in Japan. The partnership will
focus on developing individuals with the ability to act as leaders in their respective regions and
build and promote networks in each region to enhance AT within Japan.

JAL will start offering Kammui experiences through JAL Dynamic Package, a travel product allowing
customers to combine airline tickets, accommodation, activities, transportation, and other travel
products. JAL will start by offering 8 AT experiences from within Kammui’s selection of more than
300 unique experiences covering a wide variety of regions of Japan. Kammui and JAL are aiming to
offer new value for travelers to Japan allowing them to enjoy authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences
combining nature and culture.

JAL Group Adjusts Domestic Network Plan Between September 3 and September 30

September 2, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

The JAL Group (OTC: JAPSY) today announced further reductions on its domestic network between September 3rd and September 30th. In accordance with the conditions of carriage, customers affected by the cancellations during this period will be re-accommodated on an alternative flight. The “JAL Domestic PCR Inspection Service” for JAL Group customers, we will be expanding the program to include all JAL Group domestic customers and all fares offering better price. To date, the carrier has received more than 57,000 applications to conduct pre-travel testing for COVID-19. We will create a hygienic and clean environment at airports and on board to provide our customers with a safe and secure travel experience.

In addition, the Japanese government is also offering free PCR and antigen quantification tests for passengers departing from Haneda, Narita, Nagoya(Chubu),Osaka(Itami), Osaka(Kansai) and Fukuoka to airports in Hokkaido, Okinawa, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and Kagoshima from July 20 to September 30, in order to ensure the safety of people in Hokkaido, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures as well as those who have no choice but to travel there.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, this may cause to customers who have booked flights on the reduced schedule, but would like to ask for our customer`s understanding during this unprecedented time.

Reductions Added Today

Summary by Month

Note – Figures Include JAL Group Operated Flights (JAL, J-AIR, JAC, HAC, JTA, RAC) Select routes may be operated by a different aircraft configuration and customers may receive a new seat assignment. Also, First Class/Class J may not be offered when a change in aircraft configuration occurs.

For the full list of flights, c lick here.

JAL Announces International Fare Fuel Surcharge for Tickets Issued Between October and November 2021

August 20, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Japan Airlines (JAL) has requested for approval from Japan`s Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to set the level of fuel surcharge on international passenger tickets purchased in Japan between October 1 and November 30, 2021.

JAL sets fuel surcharge levels bimonthly based on the two-month average price of Singapore kerosene-type jet fuel. The price of Singapore kerosene-type jet fuel during the two-month period of June and July 2021
averaged USD76.67 per barrel, which accounted for JPY8,449 in the average exchange rate of
JPY/USD 110.19 during the same period.

As a result, with reference to the fuel surcharge benchmark list for FY2021, this corresponds to Zone C. From October 1 to November 30, 2021, the fuel surcharge will range from JPY600 on a Japan-Korea ticket to
JPY11,600 on a Japan-USA ticket per person per sector flown, for travel originating in Japan.

Fuel Surcharge for the period: October 1 ~ November 30, 2021

(*1) Russia -> Irkutsk
(*2) Russia -> Novosibirsk
– For full details about JAL’s fuel surcharge policy, please refer to http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/if.html
– The surcharge applies to flights operated by Japan Airlines as well as code-share flights operated by other
airlines.
– The planned level of fuel surcharge is subject to government approval.

JAL Group Announces Domestic Network Plan through March 11

February 15, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

The JAL Group (OTC: JAPSY; Tokyo: 9201.T) today announced further reductions on its domestic network plan through March 11, 2021. With the state of emergency in effect through March 7, travel demand is expected to decline. As such, the JAL Group will reduce additional flights within the month of February and the beginning of March. For flights between March 12-31, the carrier plans to announce details on February 18, 2021.

The JAL Group has implemented key measures against COVID-19 to provide our customers with a safe and secure travel experience. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, but would like to ask for our customer`s understanding during this unprecedented time.

10FEB21 - Press Memo Domestic Reductions Summary Chart FNL.png

Note – Figures Include JAL Group Operated Flights (JAL, J-AIR, JAC, HAC, JTA, RAC)

JAL Operates Commercial Flight Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel Produced in Japan

February 7, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Japan Airlines (JAL, OTC: JAPSY), a recognized Eco-First company by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, reiterated its commitment to further preserve the environment by operating a commercial flight from Tokyo Haneda to Fukuoka airport using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The product was a blend of traditional jet kerosene and SAF produced in Japan.

In October 2018, JAL launched a project to convert cotton clothing into SAF, produced within the country of Japan. During the project, 50 local companies helped collect approximately 250,000 pieces of clothing and with the technical support from Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd. and using a bioprocess technology developed by the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE), a domestically produced SAF was successfully created in March 2020.

Details
Date: February 4, 2021
Flight Number: JL319
Route: Tokyo Haneda to Fukuoka (Departure 13:00)
Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 (JA849J)

JAL fully recognizes that the airline industry plays an integral role to protect the planet and regards environmental conservation as a vital issue in its Medium Term Management Plan. The carrier will continue striving to achieve key environmental goals and contribute to a greener environment for future generations.

Qantas & Japan Airlines Form Tourism Recovery Business Venture

December 27, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Qantas and Japan Airlines (JAL) today announced plans to form a new joint business, designed to better serve customers travelling between Australia, New Zealand and Japan and support the tourism industry’s recovery when international flying resumes.

The airlines have submitted an application for authorisation to regulators in Australia and New Zealand, with a decision expected within six months. Subject to this regulatory approval, it is anticipated that the joint business would commence operations around July 2021, when Qantas has said it expects its international network to gradually restart.

The coordination made possible through a joint business would enable Qantas and JAL to ramp up flights between Australia and Japan sooner than would otherwise be possible. The airlines have flagged an intention to launch a new route between Australia and Japan and expect to announce details once regulatory approval is received, borders open and demand returns.

Under the proposed five-year agreement, the airlines would deliver substantial benefits for customers and help accelerate the recovery of the tourism, trade and corporate travel links between Australia and Japan, including:

An expanded codeshare relationship and optimised schedules on flights between Australia and New Zealand and Japan, opening up more connections to more destinations beyond the major city gateways. Qantas customers would have access to 14 new codeshare destinations in Japan and JAL customers would have access to 15 new codeshare destinations in Australia and New Zealand.
Enhanced frequent flyer benefits for Qantas and JAL customers, including improved earn of Qantas points or JAL miles on routes under the joint business beyond what is possible today, as well as the ability to upgrade using points or miles on each other’s services.
Improvements in the customer experience, including streamlined processes for disruption management and investments in product and service inflight and on the ground, designed to better serve the carriers’ joint customers.
More premium travel opportunities, with Qantas able to offer customers a greater number of Business and Premium Economy seats on flights operated by JAL.
Coordination of pricing, schedules, sales and tourism marketing to develop new and improved travel products, delivering more choice for customers.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the joint business would play a vital role in reviving trade links with the world’s third largest economy and deliver significant benefits for customers travelling between Australia and Japan.

“Around half a million people visited Australia from Japan in 2019. We want to see that tourism resume and grow even further by making it easier for Japanese travellers to visit,” said Mr Joyce.

“The joint business means we’ll be able to build on our existing relationship with JAL through oneworld to offer more routes, better flight connections and more benefits to frequent flyers. It also helps us diversify our portfolio of joint businesses amongst Australia’s key trading partners.

“It will be a win for our customers, a win for trade and a win for the one million people who work in tourism across Australia.”

Japan Airlines President Yuji Akasaka added: “For over 50 years, JAL and Qantas have operated flights between Japan and Australia, demonstrating our mutual commitment to support and strengthen the diplomatic relationship built by the two countries.

“We believe that a joint business with Qantas will make for a quicker recovery between both countries with the ability to expand connectivity within each carrier’s respective domestic network, providing more customer choice and travel growth opportunities.”

Hokkaido Air Company Takes Delivery of 1st ATR 42-600

December 18, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Japanese regional operator starts fleet replacement with eco-responsible turboprop aircraft

World number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR today delivered the first of two ATR 42-600 aircraft to Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd (HAC), a JAL Group Company. This delivery marks the first step in HAC’s replacement of its Saab 340 fleet. The delivery of this aircraft will ensure that essential regional air connectivity in Hokkaido can continue.

The ATR 42-600 will offer HAC increased capacity for the same operating costs – generating opportunities for the airline to increase revenues. It will also provide HAC’s passengers with a modern, comfortable cabin featuring latest generation 18”-wide seats as well as more space for luggage in the overhead bins.

Tetsu Ohori, Chief Executive Officer of HAC said: “Today is a long-awaited day for us at Hokkaido Air System, and becomes a memorable day, marking a new chapter in our history. We have so many tourists who enjoy the fantastic ‘Mother Nature’ of Hokkaido. In winter, the great nature turns her face with severe cold and heavy snow. Even under such hard conditions, this ATR 42 will perform well and make our new business a success. I’m really looking forward to showing this wonderful aircraft to everyone in Hokkaido as soon as possible.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli remarked: “Our aircraft makes perfect sense for the Japanese market. Japanese passengers, who are known to demand the very best in terms of comfort and eco-responsibility, will appreciate both the aircraft’s reduced emissions and modern comfortable cabin. This, plus the unbeatable economics and the need to maintain essential regional connectivity in Japan demonstrates why we are increasing our presence in the country.”

ATR’s market estimates forecast that around 900 30-50 seat aircraft will soon need to be replaced as older and inefficient aircraft come to the end of their lives. The ATR 42-600 is part of ATR’s unique family of regional aircraft, including the ATR 72-600, the ATR 42-600S (Short Take-Off and Landing) and the ATR 72-600F, the only brand new regional freighter. Together, they represent the ideal and modern solution to ensure that essential connectivity is maintained for local communities all over the world, while flying sustainably, emitting up to 40% less CO2 compared with regional jets.

About Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd
Established on 30 September, 1997, Hokkaido Air System began operations on 28 March.1998, with Japan Airlines (57.3%), Hokkaido government (19.5%), Sapporo city (13.5%) as major shareholders. Hokkaido Air System operates three aircraft (SAAB340B-WT) and 26 daily departures on five routes; between Sapporo-Okadama and Rishiri/Kushiro/Hakodate/Misawa, Hakodate and Okushiri, based in Sapporo-Okadama airport.

Japan Airlines Takes Delivery of First A350 XWB

June 14, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Japan Airlines (JAL) has taken delivery of its first A350 XWB at Airbus Headquarters in Toulouse, France. The A350-900 is the first aircraft produced by Airbus for JAL. The milestone event was attended by JAL Representative Director and Chairman Yoshiharu Ueki and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer.

Altogether, JAL has ordered 31 A350 XWB aircraft, comprising 18 A350-900’s and 13 A350-1000’s. JAL will initially operate the A350-900 on high frequency domestic routes, while the larger A350-1000 will fly on the carrier’s long haul international network. The first aircraft will enter service on the airline’s Haneda – Fukuoka route at the start of September.

JAL’s A350-900 is configured in a premium three class layout, with 12 seats in First Class, 94 in Class J and 263 in Comfort Economy.

The ferry flight of the first JAL A350-900 is being performed with a blend of conventional and synthetic fuel, contributing to reduced CO₂ emissions.

The A350 XWB offers by design unrivalled operational flexibility and efficiency for all market segments up to ultra-long haul (15,000km). It features the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions. The A350 XWB’s Airspace by Airbus cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable flying experience.

At the end of May 2019, the A350 XWB Family had received 893 firm orders from 51 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful wide-body aircraft ever.

For more information about the A350 family, please click her e.

@JAL_Official_jp @Airbus #A350

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