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 launches Narita – Houston.

On June 12th, All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA] launched daily Tokyo/Narita [NRT/RJAA] – Houston/George Bush [IAH/KIAH] service (ANA announces Houston and Southeast Asia expansion.) using 250-seat (eight first, 52 business, 24 premium economy, and 166 economy) Boeing 777-300ERs. Operated as part of the joint-venture (JV) with Star Alliance partner United Airlines [UA/UAL], this is the first direct link from Japan to the Texas airport on a Japanese carrier.

Boeing 777-381/ER JA733A departs rainy Narita on ANA's inaugural to Houston. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Inaugural flight NH174 departed Narita at 1115 JST with a load of 244 passengers, 14 flight attendants, and three cockpit crew. Flown by 777-381/ER JA733A, it lifted off from Runway 34L at 1146.

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

Houston is the fourth most populous city in the U.S. housing several energy corporations. 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. At Narita, passengers can connect from Bangkok/Suvarnabhumi [BKK/VTBS], Ho Chi Minh/Tan Son Nhat [SGN/VVTS], Mumbai/Chhatrapati Shivaji [BOM/VABB], Singapore/Changi [SIN/WSSS], and Yangon [RGN/VYYY] onto the new service, while at Houston, ANA has placed its code on 19 U.S. domestic and seven Mexico routes operated by United.

Present at the departure of their first flight, Shinya Katanozaka, President of ANA Holdings, parent of ANA, said "We expect strong demand from energy-related businesses, but we would like to develop the leisure travel market as well. Already 25% of today's flight are connecting passengers, and that would probably go up to 50%," adding "Our target load factor is 75%. The figures so far look better than our other recently-started routes. We put the 777-300ER because it is equipped with first class, and there's strong demand for corporate travel."

Source: Aviation Wire, June 12th. (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)

ANA loads annual First Sunrise Flights for 2015.

All Nippon Airways [NH/ANA], along with rival Japan Airlines [JL/JAL] (JAL loads 2015 First Sunrise Flights.), will also operate its annual First Sunrise Flights on January 1st, 2015. ANA, which has flown the service for 14 years, is who kicked off what has now become a tradition unique to Japanese airlines. Two flights from Tokyo/Haneda [HND/RJTT] and another from Nagoya/Chubu Centrair [NGO/RJGG] will be offered to ANA Mileage Club (AMC) members.

Boeing 787-9 JA830A with TOMODACHI Initiative decals leaps from Osaka's Itami Airport for a short hop to Tokyo's Haneda. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The Haneda flights will be operated by their brand-new Boeing 787-9 (18 Premium Class and 377 economy) and an international-configured 777-200ER (35 business and 271 economy). Passengers will need to arrive at the airport before 0430 JST. They will depart at 0535 and arrive back at 0800 after flying near Mount Fuji and seeing the sunrise. Meanwhile, the flight from Chubu Centrair, the aircraft type of which has not yet been decided, will depart at 0600 and arrive back around 0745, after flying near the highest mountain in the nation to see the sunrise.

The 787-9 flight will go on sale at 1000 JST on November 19th, followed by the 777-200ER flight the following day, and the Chubu Centrair flight on November 21st. A window pair-seat for Premium Class/business class will be set at 100,000 JPY and economy at 90,000 JPY for the Haneda flights. Other seat-pairs will be offered at 70,000 JPY for Premium Class/business class and 60,000 JPY for economy. Meanwhile, the Chubu Centrair flight will offer all seat-pairs at 85,000 JPY. In-flight service will include a light meal, a baumkuchen, new-year Japanese Sake (juice for children), and a flight certificate.

Reference: All Nippon Airways, November 4th. (in Japanese)

JAL's Pink Ribbon Jet enters service.

On October 10th, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) unveiled Pink Ribbon Jet, as part of a joint campaign with Estée Lauder Group, a manufacturer of women's skincare, makeup, fragrance, and haircare products, to promote awareness of breast cancer. The specially-themed aircraft, Boeing 777-246 JA8983, entered service on flight JL107, service from Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) to Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO), on the same day.

Boeing 777-246 JA8983 Pink Ribbon Jet taxies at Tokyo's Haneda. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Using the airplane, JAL operated flight JL509 from Haneda to Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) on October 15th under the name Pink Scarf Flight. Cabin attendants wore pink scarves for the occasion, and handed out leaflets explaining how to do a breast self-exam along with pink ribbon badges. For in-flight shopping, a 8,000 JPY Vittorio Godi small leather wallet was introduced as the official campaign product, and a certain share of its sales will be donated to Breast Cancer Network Japan, a patient support community.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign decals will be worn until March 2015. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Started in 2004, the idea for a breast cancer awareness campaign originally came from JAL's employees, the majority of whom are women, like many airlines. JAL's wholly-owned commuter subsidiary J-Air (XM/JLJ) also started participating last year, and operated its own Pink Scarf Flight on the same day on October 15th with flight XM2205, service from Itami to Sendai (SDJ/RJSS).

Reference: Japan Airlines, October 10th. (in Japanese)
Reference: Aviation Wire, October 15th. (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 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.

JAL's first Sky Next 777 enters service.

On May 28th, Japan Airlines' (JL/JAL) first of their 'JAL Sky Next'-refurbished aircraft (JAL Sky Next new domestic product unveiled.) entered service. Boeing 777-289 JA007D became the first to receive the revamp, boasting all-new leather seats, LED mood lighting, and in-flight Wi-Fi (available from July), and entered service on the Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) – Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF) route today with flight JL303.

Boeing 777-289 JA007D boasts 'JAL Sky Next' titles. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Both economy and Class J, JAL's domestic business class (but more akin to premium economy), received all-new leather seats, which until now had only been used for their First Class seats. Seat pitch will remain the same at 38 inches (96.5 centimeters) for Class J and 31 inches (78.7 centimeters) for economy, however, a slim-style seat for economy will increase legroom by five centimeters. Legroom for Class J is 18 centimeters bigger than economy.

New leather Class J seats on the Boeing 777 with 787-style mood lighting. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The new Class J seats are manufactured by KI Holdings (formerly Koito Industries) and TIMCO, while the economy seats are produced by Zodiac Aerospace (formerly SICMA Aero Seat). First Class seats being fitted on the domestic 767-300/300ERs for the first time will be made by Tenryu Aero Component, based in Gifu Prefecture in Japan.

All-new leather slim-style economy seats on the Boeing 777. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Carpets of the interiors were also renewed. LED lighting has been changed to 787-style mood lighting, with colors to be changed depending on the time of the day, season, and the 'natural rhythm of time'. In-flight Wi-Fi will be offered from July onwards, with U.S.A.-based Gogo to provide the network.

JA007D will be dedicated to three round-trips between Haneda and Fukuoka until June 30th (JAL to launch Sky Next product on May 28th.), when the service is expanded to other trunk routes as well. Aircraft to receive the new treatment will number 77, including seven 777-300s, nine 777-200s, 20 767-300/300ERs, and 41 737-800s. Work on the 777-300s will begin in August, 767s in September, and 737-800s in October.

Source: Aviation Wire, May 27th. (in Japanese)
Source: Aviation Wire, May 28th. (in Japanese)

JAL retires first Boeing 777.

Japan Airlines' (JL/JAL) first 'Triple-Seven', a Boeing 777-246 registered JA8981, operated its last revenue flight on April 30th from Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) to Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) as flight JL140. This becomes the first Japanese-registered 777 to be retired.

Boeing 777-246 JA8981 Waku Waku Aloha Jet taxies at rainy Haneda in May 2011. Although the campaign ended at the end of January, she retained these colors until July. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The aircraft is the 23rd 777 to roll off the production line and completed its maiden flight on January 26th, 1996. Christened Sirius, it was delivered the following month on February 15th. JAL's domestic 777s were called 'Star Jets' and named after constellations. After the merger with Japan Air System (JD/JAS) in 2004, JA8981 received the 'Arc of the Sun' livery in summer 2007. From October 2010 to July 2011, it also flew in Waku Waku Aloha Jet special livery to promote JAL's resumption of Haneda – Honolulu (HNL/PHNL) flights after the airport was reopened for long-haul international flights.

Boeing 777-246 JA8981 Sirius rests between training flights at Grant County Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, USA. JAL's training center here was closed in March 2009. (Photo: JAL)

Sirius spent its entire 18 years with JAL flying Japan's domestic skies. Final maintenance checks have been finished, and the aircraft is currently stored at Haneda in an all-white livery awaiting a ferry flight to Goodyear (GYR/KGYR) in Arizona, U.S.A. Of their 15-strong 777-200 fleet, including seven inherited through the merger with JAS, nine are being refurbished throughout the cabin with JAL's Sky Next interiors (JAL Sky Next new domestic product unveiled.), while the other six are being phased out by March 2016, including JA8981.

How times have passed... the Triple-Seven is still a very new airplane for me.

ANA offers red-eye Haneda - Okinawa 'Galaxy Flight'.

On April 23rd, All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) announced adjustments to their Summer 2014 schedule, the first version (ANA releases Summer 2014 domestic schedule.) of which was released on January 22nd. The revised timetable sees frequency increases on routes to popular summer destinations, including a new midnight round-trip between Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) and Okinawa/Naha (OKA/ROAH) branded 'Galaxy Flight'.

Boeing 777-381 JA754A 'Peace Jet' taxies for departure at Haneda. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Frequency increases:
Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF) – Tsushima (TSJ/RJDT) from 4 to 5 daily. *Aug/8 – 18.
Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) – Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) from 6 to 7 daily. *Jul/18 – Sep/30.
Naha – Ishigaki (ISG/ROIG) from 8 to 9 daily. *Jul/18 – Aug/31.
Sendai (SDJ/RJSS) – New Chitose from 4 to up to 5. *Jul/3 – Aug/31.
Haneda – Naha from 10 to 12 daily. *Jul/18 – Aug/31.
Haneda – Saga (HSG/RJFS) from 4 to 5 daily. *From Jul/1. 

Frequency reductions:
Haneda – Kobe (UKB/RJBE) from 3 to 2 daily. *Jul/18 – Aug/31.

The new red-eye-timed flights connecting Japan's capital with the Ryukyu island have actually been operated since July 2012, but only with belly cargo and no passengers, feeding ANA Cargo's scissors hub at Naha. Now these flights' passenger cabin is being offered for a limited time during the peak summer vacation travel period, taking advantage of Naha's 24-hour airport capability. Either Boeing 777-300s or 787-8s will operate the flights. Although it will be the first red-eye domestic flight for ANA, Skymark Airlines (BC/SKY) has operated seasonal red-eye flights on the same route since 2005, albeit sporadically.

NEW red-eye Haneda – Naha timetable:
NH999 HND 0000 – 0230 OKA 773/788 Daily *Jul/18 – Aug/31.
NH1000 OKA 0440 – 0700 HND 773/788 Daily *Jul/18 – Aug/31.

Unlike other typical domestic flights leaving Haneda, NH999 will not be accepting electronic check-in nor walk-through 'Skip' service, and passengers must be checked-in at Counter 15 in Terminal 2 before 2330. The Premium Class cabin will not be opened, as won't lounges which will be closed at that time of the day. Onward check-in will not be offered and pets will not be allowed for check-in. Return leg NH1000 will look more like normal flights, except for not accepting pet check-in and keeping the Premium Class cabin closed.

NH999/1000 will allow for convenient through-connections at ANA's expanded international operations at Haneda (ANA's Summer 2014 international expansion.). One-way fares will start from as low as 9,700 JPY (very affordable for a Haneda flight with ANA) for 60-day-advance tickets and 20,700 JPY for last-minute.

Source: All Nippon Airways, April 23rd. (in Japanese)
Source: All Nippon Airways, April 23rd. (in Japanese)

*Post edited/updated on April 25th.

JAL to launch Sky Next product on May 28th.

On April 22nd, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) announced that the first of their 'JAL Sky Next' refurbished domestic aircraft, a Boeing 777-200, will enter service on May 28th on the Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) – Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF) route. For details, see our 'JAL Sky Next new domestic product unveiled.' post from February 1st. JAL will initially place the aircraft on three round-trips until June 30th.

Boeing 777-246 JA8984 'Eco Jet Nature' taxiing for departure at Haneda. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

JAL Sky Next-designated flights (May 28th - June 30th):
JL303 HND 0725 – 0915 FUK 772 Daily
JL315 HND 1225 – 1415 FUK 772 Daily
JL325 HND 1725 – 1915 FUK 772 Daily
JL310 FUK 1000 – 1135 HND 772 Daily
JL320 FUK 1500 – 1635 HND 772 Daily
JL332 FUK 2000 – 2135 HND 772 Daily

Why Fukuoka and not Osaka or Sapporo? Lower-cost rival Skymark Airines' (BC/SKY) introduction of their brand-new all-premium 271-seat Airbus A330-300s (Skymark Airlines' first two Airbus A330s delivered.) on May 31st (Skymark delays Airbus A330 introduction to May 31st.) on the same route, which is the world's seventh busiest by passenger volume, must have played an important part in their decision.

JAL Sky Next. (Image: JAL)

JAL is refurbishing the interiors of 77 domestic aircraft including Boeing 777-200/300s, 767-300/300ERs, and 737-800s with all-new leather seats, LED lighting, and in-flight Wi-Fi internet connection, the latter of which will be available from mid-May. See also JAL's Sky Next website.

Source: Japan Airlines, April 22nd. (in Japanese)

JAL's 2nd Samurai Blue Jet enters service.

Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) and Adidas Japan, both sponsoring companies of the Japan National Football (Soccer) Team, together unveiled a second 'Samurai Blue Jet' in support of the team's participation in Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2014. 'Samurai Blue' is the nickname for the national team.

Boeing 777-346/ER JA740J 'Samurai Blue Jet 2' departs Haneda bound for Heathrow. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

The first, Boeing 777-246 JA8985, was unveiled on February 26th (JAL unveils Samurai Blue Jet.) and entered service on the Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) - Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF) route on the same day. It only flies domestic routes. The second was painted on Boeing 777-346/ER JA740J and entered service on April 4th on flight JL043, service from Haneda to London/Heathrow (LHR/EGLL).

A close-up of JA740J's 'Samurai Blue' decals. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

It will primarily fly routes to Heathrow and Paris/Charles de Gaulle (CDG/LFPG) until the end of July. Will the aircraft be chartered to carry the national team to Brazil in June?

Source: Japan Airlines, April 2nd. (in Japanese)

JAL holds 2014 Initiation Ceremony.

On April 1st, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) held their Initiation Ceremony for fiscal year 2014 inside their hangars at Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT). 831 freshpersons started working with JAL Group's 29 companies from this day.

A JAL Boeing 777-300 welcomed the freshpersons. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

"We must not forget that today's JAL stands on the burden of our former shareholders, creditors, and not last but not least, our customers. We must return their favor and do good for our society", JAL President Yoshiharu Ueki spoke to the freshpersons. "When I became President two years ago, I told that I wanted to make JAL the most loved and preferred airline in the world. The airline industry is an extremely competitive environment, and it will not be easy, but if we work as one and try hard, I am confident we can achieve that. Let's work together to realize our dream", he added.

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

ANA selects Boeing 777-9X and Airbus A321neo.

On March 27th, ANA Holdings, parent of All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA), announced that they have decided to place an order for 70 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing covering five types, including the Boeing 777-9X and Airbus A321neo. Total value exceeds 1,700 billion JPY at list prices, and this will be the largest order in ANA history both in terms of value and number of aircraft.

The Boeing 777-9X, 787-9, Airbus A321neo, and A320neo in ANA livery. (Image: ANA)

For widebody aircraft, ANA will buy 20 B777-9Xs to replace B777-300ERs starting in fiscal year 2021. Until their delivery, as an interim measure, an additional six B777-300ERs will be acquired for delivery between fiscal years 2018 and 2019, which would bring the B777-300ER fleet to 28. A top-up order of 14 B787-9s are also being placed, making ANA the biggest Dreamliner operator with 80 ordered (36 B787-8s and 44 B787-9s). So this means all B777-300ERs will be replaced by B777-9Xs, and all other current-generation widebodies (B777-200/200ER/300 and B767-300/300ER) will be replaced by B787s.

For narrowbody aircraft, 30 Airbus A320neo family aircraft are being acquired. Comprised of 23 A321neo and seven A320neo, deliveries are to begin with the latter in fiscal year 2016 and the former in fiscal year 2017. The new Airbus narrowbodies will replace ANA's remaining current-generation A320s and B737-500s. ANA briefly operated a total of seven A321-100s between 1998 and 2008 (originally as a B767-200 replacement), so this would be a comeback of the type.

First of all, the folks at Seattle must be relieved. Japan Airlines' (JL/JAL) order for 31 Airbus A350 XWBs last year shocked all (and probably Boeing the most), so this brings some 'competition balance'. Boeing must have provided a hefty discount to win this order, since reports one year ago told ANA was also leaning towards the Airbus product, with officials calling the B777-9X "too capable and too expensive". For the Dreamliners, ANA will probably switch to or order some B787-10s at some point, since the B787-9 is too small to replace the domestic 514-seat B777-300s and Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) is expected to remain a slot-restricted airport for the foreseeable future.

And for the narrowbodies, at least two questions arise; ANA already has 15 Mitsubishi MRJ90s on order intended as replacements for their B737-500s, but numerous delays have pushed back service entry of the type to mid-2017 at earliest, so I guess ANA had to come up with Plan B. But then what will ANA use the MRJs for? Leaving room for further delays, they may end up replacing older Bombardier DHC-8-400Qs. Secondly, why just 'seven' A320neo? ANA already operates a sizable fleet of B737-800s with more on order, so why not more of that or the B737max? Rumor has it that these seven are intended for 100%-subsidiary LCC Vanilla Air (JW/VNL).

Except for the B777-9Xs, the majority of this order will be delivered by 2020, when Tokyo hosts the Olympics/Paralympics and Japan targets 20 million annual visitors from overseas.

Source: ANA Holdings, March 27th. (in Japanese)

*Post edited/updated on March 30th.

JAL's fleet strategies for 'Rolling Plan 2014'.

On March 27th, Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) released its 'Rolling Plan 2014', as part of their mid-to-long-term strategies for fiscal years 2012 - 2016.

Boeing 777-289 JA8978 'Ganbare Nippon!' supporting the national team for the Sochi 2014 Olympics/Paralympics. The decals were taken off in early March. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Nothing new regarding their upcoming network developments was revealed, including strengthening their dual international hubs at Tokyo's Haneda (HND/RJTT) and Narita (NRT/RJAA) airports (JAL announces Summer 2014 international plans.), while also planning to restart viable long-haul services from Nagoya/Chubu Centrair (NGO/RJGG) and Osaka/Kansai (KIX/RJBB) (JAL to resume Kansai to London and Los Angeles in 2015.), and relaunching regional domestic routes (JAL to resume six domestic routes for Summer 2014.), most of which were suspended during JAL's bankruptcy.

However, some new updates regarding its fleet plans have been provided. Deliveries of Boeing 787-9s, the first stretched variant of the Dreamliner, will start in fiscal year 2015, and the airline plans to have 33 Dreamliners by the end of fiscal year 2016. JAL has ordered 25 B787-8s and 20 B787-9s, of which 14 of the former have already been delivered. Meanwhile, the renewal of Japan Transocean Air's (NU/JTA) B737 'Classics' fleet will also start in fiscal year 2015. The Okinawa/Naha (OKA/ROAH)-based subsidiary currently operates 13 B737-400s. All of JAL's 50 B737-800s ordered have now be delivered, so are additional orders on the way? Older B777s and B767s will gradually be retired, and the plan calls for a fleet of 82 international and 140 domestic aircraft (222 total) by fiscal year 2016's end. Preparations are also under way to introduce Airbus A350 XWBs from fiscal year 2019.

On the in-flight product side, JAL will start putting its award-winning 'Sky Suite' seats and interiors on its B787s delivered from fiscal year 2014. One additional B787-8 remains to be delivered this month for a total of 15, so maybe their 16th will have it? The stretched B787-9s will be configured with 'Sky Suite' from first delivery. Introduced on their flagship B777-300ERs in January 2013, 'Sky Suite' was expanded to selected B767-300ERs as 'Sky Suite II' in December 2013 and additional airframes are receiving the refurbishment (JAL adding more Sky Suite destinations.). New 'JAL Sky Next' revamped domestic aircraft are on schedule for July (JAL Sky Next new domestic product unveiled.) along with Japan's first domestic in-flight Wi-Fi service. Meanwhile, their international on-board Wi-Fi branded 'Sky Wi-Fi', which until now has only been offered on B777-300ERs, will be expanded to B777-200ERs, B767-300ERs, as well as B787s. Panasonic Avionics is powering the service with their eXConnect product (domestic Wi-Fi will be provided by Gogo), and tests revealed there aren't issues with the composite-built Dreamliner.

Archrival All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) only introduced limited Wi-Fi on some international aircraft just recently (ANA to offer in-flight Wi-Fi for international from March.), and has been repeatedly talking of technical difficulties, including issues providing the service on Dreamliners. JAL is taking the lead here, but again, ANA will likely complain about JAL's cost advantages gained during their government-led bankruptcy protection.

Source: Japan Airlines, March 27th. (PDF; in Japanese)

JAL unveils Samurai Blue Jet.

On February 26th, sponsoring companies of the Japan National Football (Soccer) Team Japan Airlines (JL/JAL) and convenience store chain Family Mart together unveiled 'Samurai Blue Jet' to support the team's participation in FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. 'Samurai Blue' is the nickname for the team.

Boeing 777-246 JA8985 inside JAL's hangar at Haneda. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

The aircraft, Boeing 777-246 JA8985, received a decal in the rear with official logos of the Japan Football Association (JFA) and messages, along with approximately 400 photos of supporters who submitted them during the 'Make Dreams Your Power 2014' campaign. JA8985 was one of JAL's six Disney Happiness Express (JAL winding down Disney Happiness Express ops.) planes until last week.

A closer look at the 'Samurai Blue Jet' livery. (Image: JAL)

Japan team's manager Alberto Zaccheroni was on hand at the unveiling ceremony inside JAL's hangar at Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT), commenting "I am especially happy to see our supporters' smiles on the airplane. We need the support of all related people to win". 'Samurai Blue Jet' entered service on the same day with flight JL329, service from Haneda to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF). It will ply domestic skies until the end of July.

Source: Japan Airlines, February 26th. (in Japanese)