Japan Airlines (JAL), established in August 1951, is one of Japan’s two primary international carriers, alongside All Nippon Airways (ANA). As a member of the oneworld alliance, JAL operates a fleet of over 140 aircraft to nearly 100 destinations worldwide, including major hubs such as London Heathrow (LHR), New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO).
Fleet and Airbus A350 Operations
Japan Airlines is a prominent operator of the Airbus A350, flying two variants: the A350-900 and A350-1000. According to recent data, JAL’s fleet includes 15 A350-900s and eight A350-1000s, with additional orders for 23 A350-900s and five A350-1000s. These aircraft can accommodate up to 391 passengers, depending on their configuration.
Domestic Routes: Tokyo Haneda at the Core
1. Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Sapporo (CTS)
JAL’s busiest route in 2025 will be the Tokyo Haneda to New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo. The airline plans 4,265 flights using the A350-900 variant. This route sees stiff competition from Air Do, ANA, and Skymark Airlines. In 2024, a staggering 11.9 million passengers traveled this route, making it the second-busiest in the world.
2. Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Fukuoka (FUK)
Between January and November 2025, JAL will operate 3,792 A350-900 flights on the 548-mile route to Fukuoka Airport (FUK). Fukuoka is Japan’s fourth-busiest airport, serving regional and international carriers like China Eastern Airlines, Jeju Air, Singapore Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.
3. Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Naha (OKA)
This route will feature 2,743 A350-900 flights in 2025, equating to 10 daily services. Naha Airport, the gateway to Okinawa, is Japan’s sixth-busiest airport and connects to major East Asian cities such as Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Shanghai. JAL competes with ANA, Skymark Airlines, and Solaseed Air on this route.
4. Osaka International (ITM) – Naha (OKA)
Japan Airlines will operate 668 A350 flights between Osaka International Airport (ITM) and Naha Airport in 2025. This is the only A350 route that doesn’t involve Tokyo Haneda. This route is also served by ANA and recorded 923,000 passengers last year.
5. Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Osaka International (ITM)
At just 250 miles, this is the shortest A350 route in JAL’s network, with only nine flights scheduled in January 2025. The airline uses various aircraft, including Boeing models, for the majority of flights on this route.
International Routes with the Airbus A350
1. Tokyo Haneda (HND) – New York (JFK)
This 6,773-mile route is JAL’s longest A350 service, with 668 flights scheduled for 2025. The A350-1000 variant will be deployed on this double-daily service, competing with ANA, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
2. Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
JAL plans to operate 334 flights with the A350-1000 on this daily route. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport serves as a major hub for JAL’s oneworld partner, American Airlines, offering extensive connection options.
3. Tokyo Haneda (HND) – London Heathrow (LHR)
With 333 flights scheduled for 2025, JAL offers a daily A350-1000 service on this route, alongside another daily flight using a Boeing 787. Competition includes ANA and British Airways.
The Role of Tokyo Haneda in Japan’s Aviation Landscape
Tokyo Haneda Airport serves as the centerpiece of JAL’s operations, featuring prominently in both domestic and international routes. The airport connects millions of passengers annually to key destinations, reinforcing JAL’s position as a major player in the global aviation market.
Japan Airlines’ extensive use of the Airbus A350 showcases its commitment to efficiency and passenger comfort. The carrier’s robust domestic network is complemented by strategic international routes, ensuring connectivity across major global and regional hubs. With its modern fleet and competitive services, JAL continues to strengthen its position in the aviation industry.