TOKYO- Japan Airlines (JL) has retired its legendary Boeing 777-300ER on the Tokyo Haneda (HND)-London (LHR) route, marking the end of its international operations.
Starting January 2, 2025, the route will use the modern Airbus A350-1000, demonstrating JAL’s shift to a next-generation fleet.
Japan Airlines Retires Boeing 777
The Boeing 777-300ER joined Japan Airlines’ (JL) fleet in 2004 as a replacement for the Boeing 747-400. Over time, the aircraft became associated with Japan Airlines’ long-distance operations, such as New York (JFK) and London (LHR).
Between 2004 and 2009, JAL gradually acquired 13 units, and its penultimate 777-300ER (JA739J) flew its final international flight from Tokyo Haneda (HND) to London Heathrow (LHR) on January 1, 2025.
This flight, coded JL43, took off from Haneda Airport at 10:01 AM local time and landed at Heathrow at 2:56 PM local time, 14 hours and 25 minutes later. The aircraft had JAL’s “W84” cabin arrangement, which accommodated 244 passengers in four classes: 8 in First Class, 49 in Business Class, 40 in Premium Economy, and 147 in Economy.
Despite its retirement from international service, the Boeing 777-300ER will continue to operate on certain routes, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Sydney, as well as many Asian cities and domestic routes.
JAL New Airbus A350
JAL has introduced the Airbus A350-1000 to replace its outdated 777-300ER aircraft. The airline has bought 13 units, with 7 already delivered and another 4 due by 2025.
These aircraft are gradually being deployed on major international routes, beginning with Haneda-New York in January 2024, then Dallas-Fort Worth in April, and London in October.
The A350-1000 has a four-class interior layout and seats 239 passengers: 6 in First Class, 54 in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, and 155 in Economy.
The cabin design focuses on passenger luxury, with full-flat beds in Business Class, electrically reclining seats in Premium Economy, and 16-inch 4K monitors. Notably, First Class lacks overhead bins above the seats, resulting in a more spacious atmosphere.
The A350-1000 also improves fuel efficiency and minimizes noise, which aligns with JAL’s sustainability objectives. As part of the fleet renewal, these aircraft will gradually take over critical routes to Europe and North America, maintaining continuous connection for passengers.
JAL’s fleet renewal strategy is moving along swiftly, with intentions to fly 11 A350 aircraft by 2025. The airline is continuing to expand its A350 operations, with a concentration on high-demand routes like Paris and the West Coast of the United States.
