JAL's History1990's

JAL History A Timeline of Embracing Challenges Since its birth in 1951 as Japan's first postwar airline,  the JAL group has constantly kept abreast of the changing times and  has continued to build on its technological innovations. We will continue to leverage the strength we have developed  since our founding to transport people and goods by air,  and create relationships and social connections."

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.

1990's The era of service diversification

Travel evolved from mere transportation to becoming an entertainment experience in itself...
To meet the diverse needs of customers, JAL focused on offering personalized enjoyment and relaxation even during flights. Providing exceptional services for dining, viewing, and shopping became a new mission for JAL.

Aircraft introduced in 1990 and events of that time Open

The new generation high-tech jumbo:
Boeing747-400

April 1990: Establishment of the JAL Foundation

With privatization as the catalyst, the JAL Foundation was established as a public interest incorporated foundation. It promoted expansion of the "Scholarship Program" targeting youth worldwide, which JAL had already been engaged in, as well as the "World Children’s Haiku Contest" for children around the globe. The foundation also advanced initiatives addressing global environmental issues such as atmospheric observation.

1993: Full-scale launch of mileage service

Mileage services, which had been pioneered in the United States, were also fully implemented in Japan. As the JAL Mileage Bank, eligible fares and partner networks were gradually expanded.

1994: Feeling like a resort from the moment you board

As an entertainment route of the JAL Group, the new brand "Reso’cha" was launched in June 1994. Targeting resort routes such as Honolulu, flight attendants welcome passengers wearing aloha-style uniforms, and bingo games are held onboard!

Aircraft introduced in 1996 and events of that time Open

Large twin-engine aircraft Starjet
Boeing777-200

Personalization of in-flight services

During this period, significant transformations took place inside the cabins. With the introduction of personal screens and full flat seats, it became possible to provide services tailored to the individual needs of each passenger. Starting in 1999, First Class and Executive Class (now Business Class) adopted a Video-on-Demand system, allowing passengers to enjoy movies and music anytime and from any point they choose.

Pickup Episode

Rainbow Seven debuts

Japan Air System (JAS) was quick to equip all classes with personal screens on their Boeing777 aircraft introduced in 1997

Opening of Kansai International Airport

On September 4, 1994, Kansai International Airport opened. In conjunction with the opening, JAL newly launched three routes from Osaka (Kansai) to London, Paris, and Los Angeles, naming them the "Kansai Express." These routes primarily offered exclusive services targeting first-class and business-class passengers.