JAL's History
We will provide detailed chronological timelines introducing the history of JAL, the history of its fleet, and the history of its uniforms respectively.
History in Each Era
We will introduce our journey by each era.
1950’s Wings over Japan once again-The era of propeller aircraft
In 1951, the era when Japanese people could not freely fly in the skies of Japan came to an end. Japan Airlines, born as a small private airline with no aircraft or pilots of its own, began operations by entrusting flights to Northwest Airlines. Together with Japan's postwar recovery and development, the airline launched international flights just two years after its founding. Japan’s wings once again took flight across the skies of the world.
Aircraft introduced in 1951 and events of that time Open
Northwest Airlines chartered aircraft
Martin 2-0-2
October 1, 1951:Japan Airlines was established
In its early years, the headquarters of Japan Airlines was located in Ginza. At that time, tatami-matted boardroom including the chairman’s and president’s offices.
October 25, 1951: First domestic scheduled flight
The first flight from Tokyo to Osaka and Fukuoka was operated using a Martin 2-0-2 aircraft borrowed from Northwest Airlines. The Hinomaru, the Japanese national flag, on its wings and the letters "Japan Airlines" shining on the fuselage. However, the Hinomaru on the tail was hastily painted the night before the inaugural flight. Since Japan Airlines did not own its own aircraft or pilots at the time, flight operations were entrusted to Northwest Airlines, marking the beginning of scheduled passenger service between Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Itami), and Fukuoka (Itazuke). In preparation for the invitational test flight to Sapporo on October 23, 1951, the Hinomaru (the Japanese national flag) was painted hastily on the tail fin on the night of October 22, the day before.
Aircraft introduced in 1952 and events of that time Open
The first company-owned aircraft
Douglas DC-4
October 25, 1952: Start of domestic flight operations on its own
One year after the commencement of entrusted flight operations, Japan Airlines began flight operations on its own. The aircraft cabins were not pressurized and lacked air conditioning, making summers extremely hot. To alleviate this, electric fans were installed on board the aircraft.
Aircraft introduced in 1954 and events of that time Open
Pioneer of international flights
Douglas DC-6B
February 2, 1954: Inaugural international flight on the Honolulu-San Francisco route
As this was the first time a Hinomaru-marked aircraft crossed the Pacific Ocean after the war, Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) was filled with great excitement on that day. During the departure of the first flight, named "City of Tokyo," each passenger’s name was announced, eliciting applause and cheers every time. The Douglas DC-6B aircraft departed amid a magnificent brass band performance, crossing the Pacific via Wake Island and Honolulu, taking a total of 31 hours and 20 minutes.
Pickup Episode
The day wings returned to the skies of Japan
After World War II, All aviation activities were prohibited in Japan. In June 1950, the General Headquarters (GHQ) lifted the five-year ban on flight operations. Following this, in 1951, five companies applied for licenses to operate domestic air transportation services. Eventually, the other four companies merged with Japan Airlines, and on May 22, 1951, the operating license was granted.
"Sell Japan before selling Japan Airlines tickets"
On the Tokyo–San Francisco flights, special attention was given to providing a Japanese-style hospitality experience for foreign passengers. Stewardesses dressed in kimonos offered oshibori (hot towels) and uchiwa (Japanese fans), a service that was especially well received. The responsibility of wearing the kimono was rotated among the crew members. In the early days, each stewardess was lent her own kimono, and they were trained to dress in the limited space of the aircraft cabin. To facilitate quick and easy changing, the kimonos themselves were modified with taping and other adjustments.