JAL's History1960's
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.
1960's Introduction of jet aircraft and the realization of the around-the-world route
The 1960s were a decade of great advancement for Japan. Amid rapid economic growth, the liberalization of overseas travel in 1964 and the hosting of the Tokyo Olympics led to Japan being recognized worldwide as an economic powerhouse. In the aviation industry, jet aircraft replaced propeller planes as the mainstream. Japan swiftly expanded its routes, launching services via the polar route to Europe, to New York, and even an around-the-world route.
Aircraft introduced in 1960 and events of that time Open
First jet aircraft
Douglas DC-8-32
August 1960:Introduction of the Douglas DC-8:speed twice that of propeller aircraft
The DC-8, introduced as Japan's first jet passenger aircraft, had a cruising speed of 876 km/h, approximately twice that of the propeller-driven DC-6B. In a special demonstration flight prior to its service launch, the DC-8 set a new record by completing the approximately 2,000 km round trip between Tokyo (Haneda) and Fukuoka (Itazuke) in 2 hours and 13 minutes. This firmly impressed people with the high-speed performance of the jet aircraft, and thereafter, as the main aircraft of the 1960s, it played an active role primarily on long-haul international routes.
Aircraft introduced in 1965 and events of that time Open
The beautiful silhouette of the three engines
Boeing727-100
The main aircraft of domestic local routes
Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (NAMC) YS-11
April 1965: Departure of the first JALPAK group
With the liberalization of overseas travel, special permits were no longer required for ordinary people to go abroad. The door to the previously closed world finally opened, and the dream of overseas travel began to feel more attainable. The most popular destination was undoubtedly Hawaii. However, air travel was still very expensive at the time, so it would take a little longer for it to become common for the general public.
March 1967: Launch of the around-the-world route
With twice-weekly flights in both westbound and eastbound directions, the route connected the world. As the fourth around-the-world route established globally, its launch brought significant benefits, including enhancing Japan’s presence and credibility, enabling complementary connections between routes, and strengthening existing routes.
Pickup Episode
The birth of JAL’s symbol: The Tsurumaru (Crane Circle)
The original Tsurumaru was designed with the basic concept of a sense of speed befitting the jet age and a traditional design that evokes Japan. It was used not only in aircraft paint but also on uniform badges and various promotional materials, becoming beloved around the world.
Exquisite Japanese-style hospitality
The DC-8, known as the "Lady of the Skies," welcomed passengers with Exquisite Japanese-style hospitality. In first class, seats were covered with Nishijin-ori fabric, the walls were adorned with "Kobai" (Red Plum Blossom) painted by the Order of Culture laureate, artist Seison Maeda, and the windows featured shoji screens. The floor was covered with carpets designed to resemble tatami mats, creating a truly luxurious Japanese atmosphere.