The JAL Group (JAL) today announced its flight frequency and fleet plans on both international and domestic routes for fiscal year 2017 (ending March 31, 2018).

On international routes, JAL will launch new non-stop daily service between Tokyo-Haneda (HND) and New York (JFK) from April 1, 2017, using a Haneda daytime international slot. The new service is being offered to enhance customer convenience and to provide greater access to and from Japan-domestic connecting flights at Haneda Airport.

On JAL's daily flight departing in the evening from Tokyo-Narita (NRT) to New York (JFK), the airline will increase capacity by adjusting the aircraft type from a Boeing 787-8 (SS8) to a Boeing 777-300ER (SS7), which offers a four-class configuration including First Class (*1).

To better match the expected increase in demand between Japan and Russia following Russia's relaxation of visa requirements from January 2017, JAL will increase Narita-Moscow (DME) service to a daily operation from July through October. This April concurrently marks JAL's 50th anniversary of Moscow service. The airline will continue to contribute to the further development of bilateral exchange.

Additionally, with strong passenger demand in recent years on Japan-Hawaii routes and to improve the airlines overall Hawaii network, JAL will increase the number of flights to Honolulu from Narita and Osaka-Kansai (KIX) during the high demand season to five flights daily between Narita and Honolulu, and twice daily between Kansai and Honolulu. JAL will also offer its well-received First Class service between Narita and Honolulu (JL780/789) during the summer high demand season to meet needs of customers.

On Japan-domestic routes, aircraft revamps have been completed to feature the latest JAL SKY NEXT cabin interiors. JAL will continually improve the quality of its products and services. The airline will also implement necessary adjustments to its domestic fleet plan mainly on Haneda routes to better meet seasonal demands.

JAL will also expand Embraer 190 operations, which feature Class J and Free Wi-Fi Video Program services primarily on regional flights to and from Osaka-Itami (ITM) to deliver greater customer convenience and comfort. On Japan Air Commuter (JAC) flights operating between Kagoshima and remote islands, new ATR42-600 aircraft will be gradually introduced from late-April. On Okinawa (Naha) routes, the airline will use the Boeing 737-800 with the latest JAL SKY NEXT cabin interiors. On routes connecting to and from remote islands in the Okinawa region, the airline will gradually introduce the Bombardier DHC-8-400CC aircraft, which features a cargo-passenger combi configuration and larger cargo compartments, in order to meet growing passenger and cargo demands.

Regarding other Japan-domestic routes, the JAL Group will retain seasonal operations on select routes, which the airline resumed in FY2014, and will maintain the same capacity offered in FY2016 in cooperation with all interested parties in each of the regions served. Furthermore, the airline will continue to replace propeller-driven aircraft with regional jets on select routes in order to improve seat capacity, stimulate leisure demand, and contribute to revitalization of regional economies.

The JAL Group will continue to embrace new challenges in order to deliver greater customer convenience and comfort, provide an enhanced network, and improve the quality of its products and services.

Contributed by Japan Airlines