Japan Airlines

As the flag carrier of Japan, Japan Airlines (JAL) embodies the essence of Japanese hospitality, known as omotenashi, in every aspect of its service. From our main hubs in Tokyo, we offer an extensive global network, a modern and carefully maintained fleet, and a commitment to punctuality and safety that is second to none. JAL connects Japan to the world, delivering a premium travel experience rooted in cultural authenticity and attention to detail.

Our Story: From Domestic Pioneer to Global Leader

The journey of Japan Airlines began on August 1, 1951, when the predecessor company, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., was established with the goal of fostering post-war air travel within Japan. Initial scheduled domestic flights commenced in October 1952.

A significant turning point came in October 1953, when the current Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. was formally established under the Japan Airlines Act, with government funding, granting it the exclusive license to operate scheduled international air services. This paved the way for JAL to launch its first international route from Tokyo to Honolulu to San Francisco in February 1954, marking Japan’s re-entry into global aviation.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, JAL rapidly expanded its international network, acquiring long-range jets and becoming a front-rank global airline. It introduced its first jet airliner, the Douglas DC-8, in 1960 and the iconic Boeing 747 jumbo jet in 1970. JAL’s dedication to service excellence and its growing network led it to become the world’s number one passenger and cargo transportation performer according to IATA for several years in the 1980s.

In 1987, JAL achieved full privatization, allowing it greater flexibility in its operations. A major restructuring period in the early 2000s saw the merger with Japan Air System in 2002, creating a larger JAL Group. In 2007, Japan Airlines officially joined the oneworld alliance, further expanding its global reach and offering seamless connections with leading airlines worldwide. Despite facing a significant reorganization in 2010, JAL successfully completed its corporate restructuring in 2011, emerging as a more resilient and efficient carrier, and continues to uphold its position as a global leader in aviation.

Leadership and Ownership

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) is a publicly traded company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 9201). Its ownership is distributed among a broad base of institutional and individual investors. As a major Japanese corporation, JAL’s governance is focused on delivering long-term value to its shareholders while fulfilling its role as the national flag carrier.

Ms. Mitsuko Tottori serves as the Representative Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Japan Airlines. She is the first female CEO in the airline’s history, bringing extensive experience from her career as a cabin attendant and various leadership roles within the company, emphasizing safety, customer experience, and human resource development. The airline’s headquarters are located in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

Our Fleet: Advanced Technology, Refined Comfort

Japan Airlines operates a modern and diverse fleet, primarily consisting of aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus, carefully selected to offer optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable experience across its extensive domestic and international networks. JAL continuously invests in fleet renewal to enhance passenger comfort and environmental performance. The fleet includes:

  • Airbus A350 (A350-900 and A350-1000): These advanced wide-body aircraft are the newest flagships of JAL’s fleet. The A350-900s are primarily used for domestic high-density routes, while the A350-1000s are deployed on key international long-haul routes, replacing Boeing 777-300ERs. They offer a quiet cabin, larger windows, enhanced air quality, and JAL’s latest cabin products, including the highly acclaimed new First and Business Class suites.
  • Boeing 787 Dreamliner (787-8 and 787-9): These fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft are essential for JAL’s medium to long-haul international routes. They are known for improved passenger comfort features like higher cabin humidity and lower cabin altitude, reducing jet lag.
  • Boeing 777-300ER: These long-range wide-body jets serve as a core part of JAL’s international network, though they are progressively being replaced by the A350-1000 on flagship routes.
  • Boeing 767-300ER: A versatile wide-body aircraft used for both domestic and regional international flights.
  • Boeing 737-800: These narrow-body aircraft form the backbone of JAL’s domestic network and some shorter international routes.
  • Regional Aircraft (Operated by JAL Group subsidiaries): JAL’s regional subsidiaries like J-Air and Japan Transocean Air (JTA) operate smaller aircraft such as the Embraer 170/190 and Boeing 737s to serve smaller domestic and regional routes, seamlessly connecting with JAL’s mainline flights.

JAL has significant aircraft orders, including additional A350s and new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, reinforcing its commitment to a modern, efficient, and comfortable fleet for future growth. JAL Cargo leverages the extensive belly capacity of its passenger fleet, especially its wide-body aircraft, to provide comprehensive air freight services globally.

Connecting the World: Tokyo’s Premier Hubs

Japan Airlines strategically operates from its two primary hubs in Tokyo, offering unparalleled connectivity across Japan and to a vast international network:

  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): JAL’s primary domestic hub and a rapidly growing international gateway, especially for flights to Asia, North America, and Europe. Its close proximity to central Tokyo makes it a highly convenient option for travelers.
  • Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT): A major international hub for JAL, offering extensive long-haul services to North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Narita is crucial for connecting international passengers.

JAL also maintains significant operations from other major Japanese airports, including:

  • Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX): A key international gateway in Western Japan.
  • Osaka Itami Airport (ITM): Primarily for domestic flights in the Kansai region.
  • Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO): Another important international and domestic hub.

From these hubs, JAL offers a comprehensive network:

  • Extensive Domestic Network: Flights to over 50 cities across Japan, providing vital links within the archipelago.
  • Vast International Network: Direct flights to major cities across:
    • North America: U.S. (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Seattle, Honolulu, Kona) and Canada (Vancouver).
    • Europe: Major capitals and business centers (e.g., London, Paris, Frankfurt, Helsinki).
    • Asia & Oceania: A comprehensive network across East Asia (e.g., Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong), Southeast Asia (e.g., Bangkok, Singapore, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta), South Asia (e.g., Delhi, Bengaluru), Australia (Sydney, Melbourne), and Guam.

JAL is known for its meticulous attention to detail, Japanese hospitality, and high standards of service across all cabin classes: First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class.

Your Journey, Your Rewards: JAL Mileage Bank (JMB)

JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) is Japan Airlines’ award-winning frequent flyer program, designed to reward the loyalty of its global travelers. JMB offers a straightforward and rewarding way to earn and redeem miles. As a JMB member, you can:

  • Earn Miles: Accrue valuable miles on all eligible flights operated by JAL Group airlines (Japan Airlines, J-Air, Japan Transocean Air, Ryukyu Air Commuter, etc.), all oneworld alliance member airlines, and a wide network of non-airline partners (including credit cards, hotels, car rentals, and various shopping/lifestyle partners). Miles are generally earned based on distance flown and fare class.
  • Earn FLY ON Points: These points determine your elite status within the JMB program. FLY ON Points are earned on eligible JAL Group and oneworld alliance flights.
  • Redeem Miles: Utilize your accumulated miles for a variety of awards, including:
    • JAL Group Award Tickets: For both domestic and international flights.
    • Partner Airline Award Tickets: Redeem miles for flights on oneworld alliance and other partner airlines.
    • Upgrade Awards: Upgrade to a higher cabin class.
    • e JAL Points / JAL Coupons: For use towards JAL Group tickets, hotels, and other services.
    • Merchandise and Lifestyle Awards: A wide selection of products and experiences.
  • Achieve FLY ON Status: Progress through our elite tiers – JMB Crystal, JMB Sapphire, JMB Diamond, and JGC Premier / JGC Diamond – to unlock a suite of exclusive benefits:
    • Priority Airport Services: Including priority check-in counters (First Class/JGC counters for higher tiers), priority security lanes (where available), priority boarding, and priority baggage handling.
    • Lounge Access: Access to JAL’s exclusive lounges (e.g., Sakura Lounge, JAL First Class Lounge, Diamond Premier Lounge at Haneda and Narita) and oneworld alliance lounges worldwide.
    • Extra Baggage Allowance: Increased allowances for checked baggage.
    • Bonus Miles: Earn additional bonus miles on eligible flights.
    • Complimentary Seat Selection: Access to preferred seating.
    • Mileage Expiration Suspension: For higher tiers, miles may not expire.
    • JAL Global Club (JGC): A special, invitation-only lifetime membership for those who achieve JMB Sapphire or higher status a certain number of times, offering sustained elite benefits.