JAL shifts more Tokyo – China flights from Narita to Haneda.

On August 31st, Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] announced plans to expand their China network from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] with new daily service to Guangzhou [CAN/ZGGG] and Shanghai/Pudong [PVG/ZSPD] along with a second daily round-trip to Beijing/Capital [PEK/ZBAA] effective October 25th, the beginning of the Winter 2015/2016 timetable. Meanwhile, Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] will see JAL axe Guangzhou and reduce Beijing from twice to once daily.

Nine 767s, including pictured Boeing 767-346/ER(WL) JA618J at Honolulu, are equipped with winglets and Sky Suite interior. JAL, which flies 32 -300ERs and 12 -300s, is celebrating their 30th year of 767 operations. 60 were ordered and the first, a -200, was delivered back on July 23rd, 1985. Although 787s are gradually taking over the 767s' roles, newer -300ERs are being converted to domestic, replacing older -300s and 777s. The versatile aircraft will surely soldier on for another decade or two. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The new Haneda – Shanghai/Pudong link will be served by Boeing 767-300ERs configured with JAL's award-winning Sky Suite product (JAL adding more Sky Suite destinations.) and boasting a generous 199-seat layout (24 business and 175 economy class). The new Guangzhou and additional Beijing flights will see non-Sky Suite 227-seat (30 business and 197 economy class) 767-300ERs deployed.

Flight Schedule:
Haneda – Tokyo/Haneda – Beijing/Capital increase from 1 to 2 daily.
JL021 HND 0910 – 1220 PEK 788 Daily
JL025 HND 1720 – 2030 PEK 763 Daily *NEW from Oct/25.
JL020 PEK 0825 – 1245 HND 763 Daily *NEW from Oct/26.
JL022 PEK 1640 – 2100 HND 788 Daily

Tokyo/Haneda – Guangzhou NEW daily with 767-300ER.
JL087 HND 0850 – 1305 CAN 763 Daily *From Oct/25.
JL088 CAN 1450 – 1945 HND 763 Daily *From Oct/25.

Tokyo/Haneda – Shanghai/Hongqiao daily with 777-200ER. (existing service)
JL081 HND 0915 – 1145 SHA 772 Daily
JL082 SHA 1305 – 1645 HND 772 Daily

Tokyo/Haneda – Shanghai/Pudong NEW daily with 767-300ER.
JL085 HND 1440 – 1710 PVG 76W Daily *From Oct/25.
JL086 PVG 1835 – 2220 HND 76W Daily *From Oct/25.

In May, authorities of China and Japan agreed to allocate two round-trips to each side for Haneda – Guangzhou services. JAL's archrival All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] was the first to take advantage, having already announced a similar expansion at Haneda and shift away from Narita (ANA strengthens Haneda – China with Guangzhou.). China Southern Airlines [CZ/CSN], based in China's third most populated city, is reportedly also preparing to launch the route though no official announcement has yet been made.

Source: Japan Airlines, 2015 August 31st. (in Japanese) 
Source: Aviation Wire, 2015 September 1st. (in Japanese)

ANA announces Boeing 777 and 767 Star Wars Jets.

On August 18th, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] revealed two more Star Wars-themed special livery aircraft, in addition to Boeing 787-9 JA873A R2-D2 ANA JET (ANA reveals Star Wars Project.), the design of which was disclosed in April. 777-381/ER JA789A will be adorned with BB-8 to become BB-8 ANA JET and ply intercontinental skies while 767-381/ER JA604A will be painted as STAR WARS ANA JET and fly domestic routes. 

An impression of Boeing 777-381/ER JA789A BB-8 ANA JET. ANA has 22 777-300ERs in service, with six more on order. 20 777-9X have also been ordered. (Image: ANA)

BB-8 ANA JET will enter service in March 2016 and be deployed on mostly North American flights, while STAR WARS ANA JET will inaugurate service in November 2015. Meanwhile, ANA also announced that R2-D2 ANA JET will enter revenue service on October 18th as flight NH116 from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] to Vancouver [YVR/CYVR]. It will also fly to Beijing/Capital [PEK/ZBAA], Jakarta/Soekarno-Hatta [CGK/WIII], Munich [MUC/EDDM], Paris/Charles de Gaulle [CDG/LFPG], San Jose [SJC/KSJC], and Sydney/Kingsford Smith [SYD/YSSY] (ANA announces Haneda – Sydney.).

Boeing 767-381/ER JA604A STAR WARS ANA JET. Formerly an international-configured example, this aircraft now plies domestic skies in a 270-seat (10 Premium Class and 260 economy) layout. (Image: ANA)

One day prior to inaugurating service, R2-D2 ANA JET will be deployed on a scenic flight from Haneda. 39 winners from a photo contest on ANA's website that will end on September 18th will be invited, and all members of ANA Mileage Club (AMC) are also eligible to apply for a scarce 25 groups of two made available. "When we announced the Star Wars-themed 787, its popularity was overwhelming. So we opted for two more. The jets will start roaming the world's skies in October. I hope it would be loved by all," commented Osamu Shinobe, President of ANA.

ANA will also add all six previous episodes from the series to its in-flight entertainment line-up between November this year and January 2016; episodes four to six will be aired from November to December, while episodes one to three will be shown from December to January. The five-year Star Wars Project in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company (Japan) will take advantage of the unveiling of The Force Awakens, the series' latest episode to be released in December, to bolster ANA's brand-awareness in the international arena. Japan's largest carrier is gradually shifting focus to the international market, where demand for inbound visitors to Japan and Asia – North America travel is growing, while the domestic market remains lucrative but is shrinking.

Source: All Nippon Airways, 2015 August 18th. (in Japanese)

ANA strengthens Haneda – China with Guangzhou.

On August 4th, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] revealed plans to expand its China network from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] with new daily services to Guangzhou [CAN/ZGGG] and Shanghai/Pudong [PVG/ZSPD] along with a second daily flight to Beijing/Capital [PEK/ZBAA] effective October 25th. 214-seat (35 business and 179 economy class) Boeing 767-300ERs will be deployed on the new flights.

Boeing 767-381 JA8368 at Haneda. Older 767-300ERs are gradually being converted into a domestic layout to replace the oldest 767-300s, with four examples having received the reconfiguration so far. ANA's 767 fleet is comprised of 25 -300ERs, eight -300ER(BCF)s, and 16 -300s. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

In May, authorities of China and Japan had agreed to allocate two round-trips to each side for Haneda – Guangzhou services. China Southern Airlines [CZ/CSN], based in China's third most populated city, is also preparing to launch the route though no official announcement has yet been made.

Flight Schedule:
Tokyo/Haneda – Beijing/Capital increase from 1 to 2 daily.
NH961 HND 0925 – 1235 PEK 772 Daily
NH963 HND 1725 – 2035 PEK 76W/763 Daily *NEW from Oct/25.
NH964 PEK 0830 – 1245 HND 76W/763 Daily *NEW from Oct/26.
NH962 PEK 1545 – 2000  HND 772 Daily

Tokyo/Haneda – Guangzhou NEW daily with 767-300ER.
NH923 HND 0925 – 1350 CAN 76W/763 Daily *From Oct/25.
NH924 CAN 1550 – 2000 HND 76W/763 Daily *From Oct/25.

Tokyo/Haneda – Shanghai/Pudong NEW daily with 767-300ER.
NH971 HND 1830 – 2110 PVG 76W/763 Daily *From Oct/25.
NH972 PVG 0820 – 1205 HND 76W/763 Daily *From Oct/26.

Meanwhile, Japan's largest carrier will reduce frequency on the Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – Beijing route from double to single daily from the same date, though Narita – Guangzhou will continue to be flown daily and Narita – Shanghai/Pudong three times daily. From the preferred downtown Tokyo airport at Haneda, ANA currently operates to Beijing and Shanghai/Hongqiao [SHA/ZSSS] in mainland China as well as Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH].

Source: All Nippon Airways, August 4th. (in Japanese)

JAL Boeing 787-9 due in July; expands Sky Suite cities.

Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] will place its first Boeing 787-9 in service on the Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – Jakarta/Soukarno-Hatta [CGK/WIII] route in July. The stretched variant of the Dreamliner will boast JAL's latest Sky Suite product with a generous layout of only 195 seats; 44 fully lie-flat Sky Suite (business class) seats, 35 Sky Premium (premium economy), and 116 Sky Wider II (economy class).

Boeing 777-346/ER JA736J on final approach to Narita. JAL has completed reconfiguring all 13 flagship 777-300ERs with the Sky Suite product. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The 787-9s will basically have the same seats as the Sky Suite-configured 787-8s, the first of which entered service on the Narita – Frankfurt/Main [FRA/EDDF] route on December 1st (JAL's Sky Suite 787 makes debut.). The Sky Suite 787-8s also seat only 161, which includes 38 Sky Suite, 35 Sky Premium, and 88 Sky Wider II seats.

Meanwhile, Japan's second largest carrier is expanding Sky Suite destinations during the Summer 2015 timetable. New routes to receive the Sky Suite 787 are from Narita to Delhi/Indira Gandhi [DEL/VIDP] from March 29th, Helsinki/Vantaa [HEL/EFHK] from June 1st, and to Paris/Charles de Gaulle [CDG/LFPG] from March 29th. The Sky Suite 767 will be expanded to include Honolulu [HNL/PHNL] and Manila/Ninoy Aquino [MNL/RPLL] from Narita on March 29th.

Aimed at evoking a one-class higher feel, JAL's award-winning Sky Suite product is now available on 13 777-300ERs, four 787-8s, and nine 767-300ERs. The first Sky Suite 777 entered service on Narita – London/Heathrow [LHR/EGLL] in January 2013, and the Sky Suite 767 followed on the Narita – Vancouver [YVR/CYVR] route in December that year. In the new configuration, the 777-300ER seats eight in first, 49 in business, 40 in premium economy, and 135 in economy (232 total), and the 767-300ER seats 24 in business and 175 in economy (199 total).

Source: Japan Airlines, January 21st. (in Japanese)
Source: Japan Airlines, January 21st. (in Japanese)

ANA reveals Kuala Lumpur and expansion at Narita.

On January 21st, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] revealed the resumption of Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – Kuala Lumpur/Sepang [KUL/WMKK] from September 1st, to be flown daily with 240-seat (42 business and 198 economy class) Boeing 787-8s. Malaysia's capital was served via Bangkok/Don Mueang [DMK/VTBD] until December 2001.

Boeing 767-381 JA8291 left Japan on January 19th as NH9432, heading to Victorville (via Anchorage), where it will be scrapped. ANA's non-ER 767 fleet is now down to 18. As additional 787s arrive, more 767-300ERs will be converted to domestic configuration, replacing the older non-ER 767s. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The route sees competition from AirAsia X [D7/XAX], which operates daily from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] and four times weekly from Narita, Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] with a daily flight from Narita, and Malaysian Airline System [MH/MAS] (d.b.a. Malaysia Airlines) with 10 times weekly from Narita.

Flight Schedule:
Narita – Kuala Lumpur/Sepang NEW 1 daily with 787-8. (2015/Sep/1 - Oct/24)
NH815 NRT 1720 – 2335 KUL 788 Daily
NH816 KUL 0700 – 1500 NRT 788 Daily

Meanwhile, additional frequencies from its Narita hub were also announced, strengthening its Haneda/Narita dual-hub strategy for Tokyo. The resumption of its second daily flights to Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi [BKK/VTBS] and Singapore/Changi [SIN/WSSS], along with new daily service to Houston/George Bush [IAH/KIAH] had been previously announced (ANA announces Houston and Southeast Asia expansion.), but a second daily flight to Honolulu [HNL/PHNL] from July 17th has been added to the list.

Flight Schedule:
Narita – Honolulu increase from 1 to 2 daily. (2015/Jul/17 - Oct/24)
NH184/NQ184 NRT 2035 – 0910 HNL 76W/763 Daily *NEW from Jul/17.
NH182/NQ182 NRT 2130 – 1005 HNL 76W/763 Daily
NH183/NQ183 HNL 1140 – 1455(+1) NRT 76W/763 Daily *NEW from Jul/17.
NH181/NQ181 HNL 1300 – 1615(+1) NRT 76W/763 Daily

It will also continue its second daily Haneda – Hong Kong [HKG/VHHH] service twice a week (ANA adds Haneda – Hong Kong midnight flight.), and increase its Narita – Chengdu [CTU/ZUUU] route from four times weekly to daily from March 29th.

ANA is also reportedly working to launch Haneda – Sydney [SYD/YSSY] during FY2015, possibly from the Winter 2015/2016 timetable. Economic ties are expected to grow after the Australia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) came into effect this month, and Qantas Airways [QF/QFA] has already announced plans to start flying the route in August using Haneda's midnight slots. Japan's now largest carrier operated Narita – Sydney, via Brisbane [BNE/YBBN], until June 1998, and Osaka/Kansai [KIX/RJBB] – Sydney until March 1999.

Other routes that seem to be on ANA's wishlist are Haneda – Istanbul/Atatürk [IST/LTBA] (ANA considering Haneda – Istanbul.) and a non-stop route to Cambodia (either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap), which would be a first for any scheduled carrier.

Source: All Nippon Airways, January 21st. (in Japanese)

ANA announces Houston and Southeast Asia expansion.

On December 11th, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] announced that they will launch non-stop Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – Houston/George Bush [IAH/KIAH] service on June 12th, 2015. It will be operated daily using their 250-seat (eight first, 52 business, and 190 economy class) Boeing 777-300ERs. It will be the first time the Texas airport, which is a hub for joint-venture (JV) and Star Alliance partner United Airlines [UA/UAL], will receive a direct link to Japan on a Japanese carrier.

Boeing 767-381/ER JA606A FLY! PANDA operated its last revenue flight in the special livery on December 9th with NH906, service from Beijing to Narita. It started flying on July 25th, 2007 to celebrate ANA's 20th anniversary of flights to China. She will receive normal colors along with a conversion to domestic configuration. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The new service will augment United's existing daily flight, and is aimed at enhancing connection to and from Latin America, especially Mexico, where the presence of Japanese companies is rapidly increasing, and South America.

Flight Schedule:
Narita – Houston/George Bush NEW 1 daily with B777-300ER.
NH174 NRT 1115 – 0930 IAH 77W Daily *From 2015/Jun 12.
NH175 IAH 1120 – 1520(+1) NRT 77W Daily *From 2015/Jun/12.

At the same time, ANA also announced the addition (or resumption) of a second daily flight from Narita to Singapore/Changi [SIN/WSSS] from June 11th and to Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi [BKK/VTBS] from August 1st. 169-seat (46 business, 21 premium economy, and 102 economy class) long-haul-configured Boeing 787-8s will be assigned to the new flights, bringing its hard product on par with its competitors, which already offer lie-flat seats in business class.

Flight Schedule: 
Narita – Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi increase from 1 to 2 daily.
NH807 NRT 1655 – 2135 BKK 788 Daily *NEW from 2015/Aug/1.
NH805 NRT 1815 – 2255 BKK 772 Daily
NH808 BKK 0030 – 0840 NRT 788 Daily *NEW from 2015/Aug/2.
NH806 BKK 0650 – 1500 NRT 772 Daily 

Narita – Singapore/Changi increase from 1 to 2 daily.
NH845 NRT 1700 – 2315 SIN 788 Daily *NEW from 2015/Jun/11.
NH801 NRT 1805 – 0005(+1) SIN 788 Daily
NH846 SIN 0035 – 0845 NRT 788 Daily *NEW from 2015/Jun/12.
NH802 SIN 0550 – 1400 NRT 788 Daily

The new services strengthen ANA's Narita hub as a Asia - North America transit point. Together with its two daily round-trips from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT], Japan's largest carrier will operate four daily round-trips on these two key Southeast Asian routes. 

ANA will be taking delivery of three additional 777-300ERs between March and May next year along with several 787s, so further new services are likely to be announced in due course. For Summer 2015, rumors point out to another route (or frequency increase) to North America, the addition (or resumption) of its Narita – London/Heathrow [LHR/EGLL] route, which was moved to Haneda this spring (ANA's Summer 2014 international expansion.), plus three new cities in Asia. Narita – Kuala Lumpur/International [KUL/WMKK], Haneda – Istanbul/Atatürk [IST/LTBA] (ANA considering Haneda – Istanbul.), and its first route to Cambodia (either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap) seem to be at the top of their wishlist.

Source: All Nippon Airways, December 11th. (in Japanese)

JAL loads 2015 First Sunrise Flights.

Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] will operate its traditional First Sunrise Flights again on January 1st, 2015. These special early-morning flights place passengers in the vicinity of Mt. Fuji just as the sun is starting to come up on the first day of the new year. A flight each will depart from and return to Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] and Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT]. JALPAK will sell the tickets, with the Narita flight to go on sale on November 11th and the Haneda flight on November 12th, both at 1030 JST.

Boeing 767-346/ER JA610J comes into Narita still wearing the Arc of the Sun livery, which was designed by Landor Associates when JAL and Japan Air System [JD/JAS] merged. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The Narita flight, appropriately numbered JL2015, will depart at 0545, flying off the coast of Choshi, Chiba Prefecture to see the sunrise, then moving on to Mt. Fuji and Miyakejima, before returning to Narita around 0745. It will be operated by an international-configured Boeing 767-300ER, accommodating 30 business and 207 economy class seats. Window seats for a couple will be set at 80,000 JPY for business and 65,000 JPY for economy, and 60,000 JPY for an over-wing window seat-pair in economy. Middle section seats will also be sold, with a business seat priced at 25,000 JPY and an economy seat at 20,000 JPY, and 19,000 JPY for an over-wing middle section seat.

Meanwhile, the Haneda flight, JL1511, will depart at 0545 and fly near Mt. Fuji to view the sunrise, then cruise over Izu-oshima, before arriving back into Haneda around 0745. A JAL Sky Next (JAL's first Sky Next 777 enters service.) 767-300 configured with 42 Class J and 219 economy seats will operate the flight. Window seats for a couple will be set at 81,000 JPY for Class J and 72,000 JPY for economy, and 67,000 JPY for an over-wing window seat-pair in economy. Middle section seats will be sold as well, with a Class J seat priced at 27,000 JPY and an economy seat at 22,000 JPY, and 21,000 JPY for an over-wing middle section seat.

JAL will issue a flight certificate and serve traditional Osechi bento (new year cuisine lunch box) along with a red and white bun with fillings. Japan's flag carrier has been operating First Sunrise Flights from Narita since 2009 and from Haneda since 2010.

Reference: Japan Airlines, November 10th. (in Japanese)

ANA adds Haneda – Hong Kong midnight flight.

On October 16th, All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) announced that they will add a second Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) – Hong Kong (HKG/VHHH) round-trip from December 20th. The new red-eye flight will depart Japan's capital after midnight and arrive at Hong Kong in the early hours, enabling onward connections, while the return leg from Hong Kong also leaves after midnight for an early morning arrival back in Haneda, allowing for connections on to ANA's extensive domestic network.

Boeing 767-381/ER JA606A FLY! PANDA preparing for departure at Haneda. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Japan's largest carrier will initially operate the round-trip on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays, bringing it up to daily from March 9th, 2015. 214-seat (35 business and 179 economy class) Boeing 767-300ERs will be assigned. ANA used to fly a similar flight until October 2010, when the current new international terminal at Tokyo's preferred airport near downtown opened and the airline moved the flight to daytime hours.

Flight Schedule (effective December 20th):
Haneda – Hong Kong from 1 to up to 2 daily with B777-200ER/B767-300ER.
NH1249 HND 0125 – 0525 HKG 76W/763 Mo/Sa/Su *Daily from Mar/9.
NH859 HND 0855 – 1255 HKG 772 Daily
NH1250 HKG 0105 – 0555 HND 76W/763 Mo/Sa/Su *Daily from Mar/9.
NH860 HKG 1425 – 1915 HND 772 Daily

The additional flight is possibly a response to Hong Kong-based LCC Hong Kong Express Airways (UO/HKE) (d.b.a. HK Express) adding a second flight into Haneda from November 18th. Operating 174-seat Airbus A320s, the growing carrier is also adding Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA) from December 8th. ANA Holdings' wholly-owned subsidiary LCC Vanilla Air (JW/VNL) is also launching Narita – Hong Kong on November 2nd (Vanilla Air works out details for Hong Kong and Kaohsiung.), increasing the service to double daily from February 21st.

ANA also operates two daily from Narita, while Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) operates a single flight each from Haneda and Narita. Cathay Pacific Airways (CX/CPA) is the market leader with five from Narita and two from Haneda. Delta Air Lines (DL/DAL), which currently operates a single round-trip from Narita, will be ending the service on October 24th.

Reference: Minkei News Hong Kong, October 17th. (in Japanese)

ANA to launch domestic Wi-Fi product in FY2015.

On October 8th, All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) announced that they will launch in-flight internet connectivity for domestic services in FY2015. Japan's largest carrier eventually plans to have approximately 100 aircraft, including Boeing 777s, 787s, and many other aircraft with over 100 seats, offering the new product.

Boeing 777-381/ER JA733A taxies at Narita. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Flights from Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF), Okinawa/Naha (OKA/ROAH), Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO), and Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) would be the first to see the service, naturally. Details of the providing firm along with prices would be released in due course.

Branded 'ANA WiFi Service', ANA already offers in-flight internet connection on selected international flights on selected days (ANA to offer in-flight Wi-Fi for international from March.), with retrofitting of 19 Boeing 777-300ERs and nine 767-300ER to be completed by March 2015. 32 additional international-configured aircraft, mostly expected to be 787s, will receive the upgrade in FY2015. Service is provided by SITA subsidiary OnAir, formerly a joint-venture with Airbus.

ANA comes late, as archrival Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) has been offering domestic in-flight Wi-Fi since July (JAL SKY Wi-Fi to be launched on July 23rd.) and is well underway in retrofitting 77 aircraft by mid-2016, while Skymark Airlines (BC/SKY) also commenced service on board their all-premium Airbus A330s in August (Skymark to offer free Wi-Fi on Airbus A330.). JAL provides the service at a cost, while Skymark offers it free of charge.

Reference: All Nippon Airways, October 8th. (in Japanese)
Reference: Aviation Wire, October 8th. (in Japanese)

JAL Boeing 767 encounters turbulence near Seoul.

On September 12th around 1730 KST (no time difference with JST), Japan Airlines' (JL/JAL) flight JL093, service from Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) to Seoul/Gimpo (GMP/RKSS), encountered sudden rough air as it was descending to its destination. Although no injuries were reported among the passengers, seven flight attendants sustained minor injuries.

Sistership Boeing 767-346/ER JA613J awaits its next assignment at Haneda. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The aircraft involved was Boeing 767-346/ER JA654J, which had departed Haneda at 1535 JST with a load of 218 passengers, including three children, 10 flight attendants, and two pilots. As the 767 was descending to Gimpo, at 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) it experienced what was likely caused by wake turbulence approximately 25 minutes prior to landing, about 95 kilometers southeast of Seoul's airport near downtown. The aircraft landed safely at 1759, four minutes behind schedule.

Of the seven injured cabin crew, one was diagnosed of neck and back sprain which required two weeks of rest and treatment. The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) designates any event that results in injuries requiring treatment for over 48 hours an aviation accident, so this case fell under that category. However, South Korea, which has the authority to investigate the matter as it happened in Korean airspace, is not considering this an accident. 

Reference: Aviation Wire, September 17th. (in Japanese)

JAL reveals Winter 2014/2015 international plans.

On September 5th, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) announced their Winter 2014/2015 schedule effective October 26th. As rumored before, Osaka/Kansai (KIX/RJBB) – Los Angeles (LAX/KLAX) will be resumed (JAL to resume Kansai – Los Angeles in Winter 2014/2015.) on March 20th, but also Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) – Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi (BKK/VTBS), which restarts from December 20th.

Boeing 787-8 JA825J takes off from Tokyo's Haneda Airport. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

In line with the award-winning product updates with the Sky Suite 777 and 767 (JAL adding more Sky Suite destinations.), Japan's second largest carrier will also introduce Sky Suite configuration on the Dreamliner, dubbed 'Sky Suite 787', starting with their 16th 787-8, JA837J. Premium economy will be introduced on the 787-8, reducing the seat-count from 186 (42 business and 144 economy) to 161 seats (38 business, 35 premium economy, and 88 economy). Economy will retain eight abreast (2-4-2), going against the worldwide trend of nine abreast and clearly differentiating themselves from ANA.

It will enter service on Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA) – Frankfurt/Main (FRA/EFFD) on December 1st, while Narita – New York/John F. Kennedy (JFK/KJFK) would be the second route to see the product from January 1st. Stretched 787-9s, the first handover of which is planned for early 2015, will also be configured in the Sky Suite layout from delivery, but whether to reconfigure earlier 787-8s is still under consideration.

New Routes/Resumptions (INTERNATIONAL):
Nagoya/Chubu Centrair – Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi NEW 1 daily with 787-8. *From 2014/Dec/20.
JL737 NGO 1030 – 1450 BKK 788 Daily *Operated with 767-300ER Dec/20-31.
JL738 BKK 2255 – 0620(+1) NGO 788 Daily *Operated with 767-300ER Dec/20-31.

Osaka/Kansai – Los Angeles NEW 1 daily with 787-8. *From 2015/Mar/20.
JL060 KIX 1520 – 0920 LAX 788 Daily *Mar/20-28.
JL060 KIX1740 – 1200 LAX 788 Daily *From Mar/29.
JL069 LAX 1120 – 1550(+1) KIX 788 Daily *Mar/20-28.
JL069 LAX1430 – 1900(+1) KIX 788 Daily *From Mar/29.

Equipment Changes (INTERNATIONAL):
Nagoya/Chubu Centrair – Shanghai/Pudong 737-800 replaces 767-300ER.
Osaka/Kansai – Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi 787-8 replaces 767-300ER. *From Dec/1.
Tokyo/Haneda – Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi JL033/032 777-200ER replaces 767-300ER. *From Dec/1.
Tokyo/Haneda – Beijing 787-8 replaces 767-300ER.
Tokyo/Haneda – San Francisco 777-300ER replaces 787-8. *From Dec/1.
Tokyo/Haneda – Taipei/Songshan JL097/098 777-200ER replaces 767-300ER. *From Dec/1.
Tokyo/Narita – Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi JL707/708 787-8 replaces 767-300ER. *From Dec/1.
Tokyo/Narita – Beijing JL869/860 737-800 replaces 767-300ER.
Tokyo/Narita – Delhi/Indira Gandhi 787-8 replaces 777-200ER. *From Dec/1.
Tokyo/Narita – Manila/Ninoy Aquino JL741/742 787-8 replaces 767-300ER. *From Dec/1.
Tokyo/Narita – Shanghai/Pudong JL877/874 737-800 replaces 767-300ER.
Tokyo/Narita – Sydney 777-300ER replaces 777-200ER. *From Dec/1.
Tokyo/Narita – Taipei/Taoyuan JL809/802 767-300ER replaces 737-800.

Frequency Reductions (INTERNATIONAL):
Tokyo/Narita – Moscow/Domodedovo from 4 to 3 weekly.
Tokyo/Narita – Seoul/Incheon from 2 to 1 daily, 767-300ER replaces 737-800.

Kansai – Los Angeles was suspended in October 2006, while Chubu Centrair – Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi was axed in October 2010. JAL has been saying that improving financial results and a recovering economy plus the availability of fuel-efficient aircraft (787s) are having the company consider restarting international routes from cities other than Tokyo, notably Osaka and Nagoya. JAL earlier announced timetable changes for Winter 2014/2015 in July (JAL re-times international flights in Winter 2014/2015.), while domestic plans were announced last month (JAL to terminate Narita – Okinawa.).

Reference: Japan Airlines, September 5th. (in Japanese)
Reference: Japan Airlines, September 5th. (in Japanese)

JAL re-times international flights in Winter 2014/2015.

From the Winter 2014/2015 timetable effective October 26th, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) will be re-timing some international flights at both Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) and Narita (NRT/RJAA) airports to increase flight connection opportunities.

Boeing 767-346/ER(WL) JA617J Sky Suite 767 arrives at Haneda. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Haneda – Ho Chi Minh City/Tan Son Nhat (SGN/VVTS) will have its Haneda night arrival changed to a morning arrival, offering connections to all of JAL's domestic destinations from Haneda.

Flight Schedule (effective Oct/26/2014):
Haneda – Ho Chi Minh 1 daily with 767-300ER.
JL079 HND 0130 – 0550 SGN 76W Daily
JL070 SGN 2345 – 0655(+1) HND 76W Daily
 
Haneda – San Francisco (SFO/KSFO) will see its night arrival into Haneda moved to early morning, providing connections to all of their domestic flights as well as its seven flights to Asia from Haneda. Equipment will be up-gauged from a Boeing 787-8 to a Sky Suite 777-300ER, enhancing customer experience.

Flight Schedule (effective Dec/1/2014):
Haneda – San Francisco 1 daily with 777-300ER.
JL002 HND 0005 – 1625(-1) SFO 77W Daily
JL001 SFO 0035 – 0500(+1) HND 77W Daily

Narita – Boston (BOS/KBOS) will have its Narita morning departure moved to the evening, increasing cities connecting from Asia from seven to 15.

Flight Schedule (effective Oct/26/2014):
Narita – Boston 1 daily with 787-8.
JL008 NRT 1820 – 1650 BOS 788 Daily
JL007 BOS 1150 – 1535(+1) NRT 788 Daily

Narita – Ho Chi Minh City/Tan Son Nhat will see its early morning Narita arrival moved to the afternoon to reduce connection times for three North American routes from four to three hours. The number of possible connections reaches seven, including code-share flights with joint-venture (JV) and Oneworld partner American Airlines (AA/AAL).

Flight Schedule (effective Oct/26/2014):
Narita – Ho Chi Minh 1 daily with 767-300ER.
JL759 NRT 1755 – 2230 SGN 76W Daily
JL750 SGN 0810 – 1535 NRT 76W Daily

As reported before, JAL views Narita catering for Asia – North America connections and Haneda serving Tokyo and domestic – international connections.

Reference: Japan Airlines, July 24th. (in Japanese)

JAL SKY Wi-Fi to be launched on July 23rd.

On June 30th, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) announced that July 23rd would be the launch date for their domestic in-flight Wi-Fi product dubbed JAL SKY Wi-Fi. Initial routes that will see the service are from Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF), Hakodate (HKD/RJCH), and Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO), with selected flights offering the service. JAL thus becomes the first Japanese airline to offer domestic in-flight internet connectivity.

Boeing 777-289 JA007D with JAL Sky Next decals prepares for departure from Fukuoka. It became the first aircraft to receive the new interior. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Aircraft that offer Wi-Fi are those that have been refurbished with JAL's Sky Next new domestic interiors (JAL's first Sky Next 777 enters service.) with all-new leather seats and carpets, plus Dreamliner-style LED mood lighting. Partnering with U.S.A.-based Gogo, which will provide satellite connection, passengers will be able to use their smartphones, tablets, or laptop computers to surf the internet, check e-mail, or update their social networking services (SNS) pages like Facebook or Twitter.

Two payment plans will be available; one offering 30 minutes use at 400 JPY, while the other offers unlimited access with price depending on the type of the mobile device and the length of the flight. Fees are set at 500 JPY for all gadgets on flights less than 450 miles (e.g. Tokyo – Osaka), 500 JPY for smartphones and 700 JPY for tablets/laptops on flights between 451 and 650 miles (e.g. Tokyo – Fukuoka), and 700 JPY for smartphones and 1,200 JPY for tablets/laptops for flights over 651 miles (e.g. Tokyo – Okinawa).

Watch out for this logo when boarding and inside the aircraft. (Image: JAL)

Payment must be made by a credit card upon establishing a connection. However, those who are unwilling to pay will still have access to JAL's complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi program, including daily news, travel tips, and sightseeing information about the destination.

The number of access points will vary depending on the aircraft, with Boeing 777s getting six while 737s receiving three, but it will be accessible from anywhere on the aircraft. Specifications for the wireless LAN network are IEEE802.11a/b/g/n. Current plans call for four 777-300s, 12 777-200s, 20 767-300/300ERs, and 41 737-800s to have completed the revamp to JAL Sky Next by mid-2016. Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) is expected to be the next city to receive the service in August.

Reference: Japan Airlines, June 30th. (in Japanese)
Reference: Aviation Wire, June 30th. (in Japanese)

JAL finds 16 maintenance errors between October and May.

An internal investigation by Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) found 16 maintenance errors between October 2013 and May 2014. During routine maintenance on May 8th, Boeing 777-289 JA8978 was found missing a cascade of the thrust reverser in one of its engines, and it turned out the aircraft had flown without the part for a month.

A subsequent probe revealed 16 maintenance errors on 777s and 767s between October 28th, 2013 and May 17th, 2014, and as a result, JAL suspended all scheduled maintenance procedures between May 19th and 23rd to analyze the cause, review current procedures, and come up with preventive measures. "Engineers have work shifts. We made the decision so that all of them could get together and talk as one team," JAL President Yoshiharu Ueki said.

Yuji Akasaka, Chief of Maintenance Department told reporters "The causes vary from case to case, but are human errors. Procedures have become highly systematic, like in any other department, and each step is carried out very accurately. However, inter-procedural human involvement has been weakened," citing lack of inter-personal communication.

Source: Aviation Wire, June 2nd. (in Japanese) 

*Post edited/updated in June 15th.

ANA Cargo adds 10th Boeing 767 Freighter.

All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) expanded its dedicated freighter fleet to 10 on May 13th, when Boeing 767-316F/ER JA605F arrived at Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA).

Boeing 767-381/ER(BCF) JA8356 at ANA Cargo's Okinawa scissors hub at Naha. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

It is ANA's first secondhand freighter, and was acquired from Florida West International Airways (RF/FWL), which first took delivery of this aircraft on November 28th, 2001 as N316LA. Florida West is 25% owned by LAN Airlines (LA/LAN) and is part of the LATAM Airlines Group. Ironically, their remaining sole example, 767-346F/ER N422LA, formerly served with Japan Airlines' (JL/JAL) as JA633J.

Joining ANA's cargo fleet of two 767-300ERFs as well as seven passenger-to-freighter-converted 767-300BCFs, JA605F will also be their first winglet-equipped 767 freighter. It entered service the following day on NH8563, service from Narita to Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG). Most of ANA Cargo's flights are operated by lower-cost subsidiary Air Japan (NQ/AJX).

JTA to boost Haneda - Ishigaki with Boeing 767.

On April 24th, Japan Transocean Air (NU/JTA) announced that they will add a second round-trip between Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) and Ishigaki (ISG/ROIG), in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa, during the peak summer vacation travel period from July 18th to August 31st. The additional flight will be operated by a Boeing 767 wet-leased from Japan Airlines (JL/JAL).

JTA's Boeing 737-446 JA8999 'SWAL Jet' (retro-jet) in the livery of Southwest Air Lines arrives at Naha. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Frequency increases:
Haneda – Ishigaki from 1 to 2 daily with 763/734.
NU071 HND 0645 – 0940 ISG 734 Daily
NU073 HND 1350 – 1645 ISG 763 Daily *NEW. Operated by JAL. Jul/18 – Aug/31.
NU070 ISG 1030 – 1330 HND 734 Daily
NU076 ISG 1725 – 2020 HND 763 Daily *NEW. Operated by JAL. Jul/18 – Aug/31.

JTA used to operate a Boeing 767 sourced from JAL every summer from 1990 to 1995, mostly on wet-leases. During that period, Boeing 767-346 JA8267 was dry-leased from JAL from May 1992 to March 1993 in full Southwest Air Lines (JTA's former name) livery and 767-246 JA8232 from June 1993 to October 1994 in JTA's earlier color scheme.

JAL Boeing 767-346 JA8268 taxies at Haneda. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Ishigaki Island is the prefecture's third largest island by area, behind Okinawa and Iriomote, and is located only 270 kilometers from Taiwan. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and pristine coral reefs, it has been the most popular diving destination in Japan.

History of JTA can be traced back to 1967, when they were set up as Southwest Air Lines to take over Okinawa's intra-island routes then operated by Air America (AAM). Okinawa was controlled by the U.S.A. after World War II until 1972, and the U.S. military still retains a significant presence due to the island's strategic location in the Pacific. The current name 'Japan Transocean Air' was adopted on July 1st, 1993, and they are presently owned 70.1% by JAL, 12.9% by Okinawa Prefecture, and the remainder by local businesses.

Source: Japan Transocean Air, April 24th. (PDF; in Japanese)

JAL to increase Narita - Jakarta to double daily.

Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) will add a second daily round-trip on the Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA) - Jakarta/Soukarno-Hatta (CGK/WIII) route from June 13th. The new flight will operate at evening hours from Narita and morning hours from Jakarta. JAL's refurbished 199-seat (24 business, 175 economy) Boeing 767-300ERs, branded 'Sky Suite 767', will serve the route (JAL adding more Sky Suite destinations.).

Boeing 767-346/ER JA601J at Honolulu. Being the first of the extended-range version for JAL, it will likely be converted to domestic configuration and not refurbished with the new 'Sky Suite 767' interior. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Flight schedule:
Narita - Jakarta from 1 to 2 daily with 77W/76W.
JL725 NRT 1050 – 1635 CGK 77W Daily
JL729 NRT 1855 – 0100(+1) CGK 76W Daily *NEW from June 13th.
JL720 CGK 0630 – 1600 NRT 76W Daily *NEW from June 14th.
JL726 CGK 2155 – 0725(+1) NRT 77W Daily

Archrival All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) also added a second daily Tokyo - Jakarta flight on March 30th (ANA's Summer 2014 international expansion.), but from more convenient Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT), while their first still originates in Narita. Garuda Indonesia (GA/GIA), which started code-sharing with ANA on March 30th, operates a daily B777-300ER service from the Indonesian capital to Narita, while Haneda will be launched on June 16th with Airbus A330-300s.

Source: Aviation Wire, April 8th. (in Japanese)