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JAL's History - History of Company 2011s

2011-2020
We will take a look back at the history of Japan Airlines (JAL), from its founding to the present day, with a timeline of details and notable events.


1.26
JAL was named the most punctual airline for the second consecutive year, conferred by U.S.'s Conductive Technology Corporation.
3.1
Boeing 747-400 with nicknames "Jumbo," "Sky Cruiser," and "Dash 400" retired from service. It has been 41 years since the conventional Boeing 747 started its operations.
3.28
Conclusion of corporate reorganization proceedings since January 19, 2010.
Announcement of new management.
4.1
JAL Group officially commenced operations using its new logo "Tsurumaru."
Based on the amendments to articles indicated on the Reorganization Plan approved on November 30, 2010, JAL's official trademarked name was changed from Japan Airlines International Co., Ltd. to Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
JAL launched a joint venture with American Airlines.
4.27
JAL was named the quietest airline and was awarded the Fly Quiet Award in the Chief Pilots Meeting's Widebody Division, which took place at Vancouver Airport Authority.
5.31
A300-600R aircraft flew its final flight.
9.1
JAL launched new in-flight service 〈“JAL CAFÉ LINES”〉 on all routes and classes.
9.30
JAL inaugurates its 〈“JAL Eco Jet Nature”〉 livery aircraft.
10.3
JAL received the “Good Design Award” for its bamboo wheelchair, its Sky Recliner seats, and the meal tray mat served onboard JAL Premium Economy and Economy Class Paris flights.
10.12
JAL Group participated in the Tohoku Cotton Project.
10.21
JAL receives CAPA Airline of the Year 2011 Award.
11.1
In a collaboration project with “Kaibutsu-kun: The Movie”, JAL inaugurated its “Kaibutsu-kun JET” livery aircraft (until early February 2012).
12.7
JAL official Facebook page receives Grand Prix in Social Network Category at 5th Corporate Web Grand prix presentation ceremony.

1.13
JAL inaugurated its “Hellosmile JET” livery aircraft as part of their “Hellosmile” initiative to boost awareness of cervical cancer prevention (in operation until December).
1.23
JAL network was recognized the “World No. 1 Network by Carrier” as the world's most punctual airline by U.S. based Conductive Technology Corporation. Japan Air Commuter Co., Ltd. was also awarded first place in the “Asia Regional Division.”
2.22
Inaugurated the 〈“JAL × Samantha Thavasa JET”〉 livery aircraft for domestic and international flights. (Domestic flights: February 22 - May 21, international flights: February 27 - May 26)
3.3
JAL began accepting applications for the BIC CAMERA JMB WAON CARD.
3.25
As part of the “Friendly JAL” initiative, flight crew members who understand sign language began to wear badges indicating as such. In addition, a signage board allowing customers to point and communicate, was launched in all airports nationwide.
4.16
JAL established their Helsinki branch and Helsinki Airport location.
4.22
JAL inaugurated the new Tokyo (Narita) - Boston route with the Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
5.1
JAL inaugurated its 〈“JAL x Tokyo Sky Tree® JET”〉 livery aircraft for domestic flights.(Boeing 777-200,JA8978)
5.27
JAL inaugurated its “Gambare! Nippon!” (Go for it! Japan!) livery aircraft (JA772J Boeing 777-200) for domestic flights in support of Team Japan in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games to be held in London. (until early September)
7.15
JAL begins offering “JAL SKY Wi-Fi,” in-flight internet service on its international flights. The service will be made available sequentially, beginning with the New York route.
7.25
JAL inaugurated its 〈air observation jet with special CONTRAIL Project〉 logo.
9.19
JAL was relisted on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, two years and eight months after filing for bankrupcy protection.
10.14
JAL inaugurated its “JAL x Ghibli” livery aircraft for international flights(Boeing 787,JA828J).
10.23
JAL inaugurated the third installation of its “JAL Arashi JET” livery aircraft(Boeing777-200).
11.21
JAL inaugurated its livery aircraft on domestic flights to support Tokyo's bid for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games (Boeing 777-200 JA8978).
12.2
JAL inaugurates its Tokyo (Narita) - San Diego route.
12.12
JAL inaugurated its “JAL Doraemon JET” livery aircraft.(Boeing767-300 JA656J)

1.9
JAL installed brand new seats in every cabin class on its international fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircrafts.
2.1
JAL established their Helsinki branch, General Affairs section, Helsinki sales office, and Helsinki Airport location.
2.19
JAL received On-Time Performance Service Award in its Major International Airline and Asia-Pacific Major Airlines categories by US' FlightStats Inc. J-AIR was awarded winner in the Asia Regional Airlines category.
3.29
JAL inaugurated its first “JAL Happiness Express” livery aircraft for its domestic flights.
3.30
The MD90 aircraft was retired after its final flight, JL1614 from Hiroshima to Haneda.
3.31
JAL inaugurates its Tokyo (Haneda) - Nagoya(Cyubu) route.
JAL launched three new routes from Osaka (Itami) Airport (Matsuyama, Misawa, Hakodate).
4.15
JAL launched a new service enabling passengers aboard the Sky Suite 777 to place their in-flight meal and purchase orders via the in-flight entertainment system. The service became available sequentially beginning with the Narita - London route.
6.1
JAL Group renewed its uniform designs.
6.11
JAL inaugurated all six of its “JAL Happiness Express” livery aicrafts on domestic routes.
6.12
JAL's air observation project CONTRAIL was awarded the Outstanding Performance Award and the Minister of the Environment Award.
6.18
JAL SKY SUITE was named Best Business Class Airline Seat worldwide, at SKYTRAX's 2013 World Airline Awards.
7.1
JAL launched its Narita - Helsinki route.(Boeing 787-8 aircraft)
9.19
JAL smartphone service was awarded “Best Use of Mobile Technology” by the Future Travel Experience of PPS Publications, at the FTE GLOBAL 2013 Awards.
9.26
JAL began accepting applications for the new JAL Card, JAL CLUB EST, available to customers in their twenties.
10.1
JAL's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft's SKY SUITE 777 and JAL SKY WIDER, the SKY SUITE 777's newest Economy Class seat, was awarded Good Design Awards.
10.3
JAL was the first Japanese airline to be qualified for its San Francisco route's implementation of operational procedures to reduce environmental footprint.
10.31
Introduction of “Sochi Olympics and Paralympics Gambare! Nippon!” jet with special livery on domestic routes (Boeing 777-200 JA8978).
12.9
JAL inaugurated the Boeing 767-300ER aircraft SKY SUITE 767 on its Narita - Vancouver route.
12.20
Introduction of “Let’s Go to Tohoku!” jet with special livery as part of Tohoku support project.
12.26
Introduction of second “Sochi Olympics and Paralympics Gambare! Nippon!” jet with special livery, (painted with ice figure skater Mao Asada) on domestic routes.

2.14
Introduction of WAON Jet with AEON×JAL joint project special livery on domestic routes (Boeing 767-300 JA8364)
JAL was named winner of On-Time Performance Service Awards' Major International Airlines category for the second consecutive year. JAL Group was also named winner in the Major Airline Network category.
2.26
JAL inaugurated its “SAMURAI BLUE Support Jet” aircraft livery for domestic flights.(Boeing777-200 JA8985)
4.1
JAL, British Airways, and Finnair entered into a joint business agreement on their Japan - Europe route.
4.5
Introduction of second SAMURAI BLUE Support Jet on international routes (Boeing 777-300 JA740J)).
5.28
JAL was named best airline in the Traveler's Choice Awards by world's leading travel review site, TripAdvisor®.
JAL introduced newly designed JAL SKY NEXT aircraft on its Haneda - Fukuoka route, and will be featured sequentially on other domestic flights. (Boeing 777-200)
7.23
JAL began offering in-flight internet service, JAL SKY Wi-Fi aboard domestic flights.
8.1
JAL announced their sponsorship of the Japan National Rugby Union team and the Japan National Rugby Sevens team.
10.1
JAL and JAL Express Co., Ltd. merged.
JAL SKY NEXT was named in Good Design Awards' Best 100. The Sakura Lounge in Haneda Airport's international terminal and new economy seats on domestic flights equipped with JAL SKY NEXT received Good Design Awards.
10.10
JAL inaugurated its “Pink Ribbon Jet” livery aircraft as part of their breast cancer awareness campaign.(Boeing777-200 JA8983)
10.23
Hokkaido Air Systems Co., Ltd (HAC) joins the JAL Group.
12.1
JAL launched JAL SKY SUITE 787 service in its Narita - Frankfurt route.
12.8
JAL established a domestic First Class cabin aboard its Boeing 767 aircrafts.

1.20
In collaboration with JR EAST Group, JAL inaugurated its “Suica Penguin Jet” livery aircraft(with Boeing767).
1.27
JAL was named winner of On-Time Performance Service Awards' Asia-Pacific Major Airlines category by U.S.'s FlightStats Inc.
1.28
Environment awareness program for children “Sky Eco Class” receives Sapporo Ministry of Environment Award, Honorable Award for the first time.
JAL signed an agreement for purchase of MRJ32 aircrafts. Delivery is scheduled to commence in 2021.
3.18
JAL was recognized for the first time as a “Nadeshiko Brand,” an annual distinction reserved for companies promoting diversity and support for women in the workplace.
3.25
JAL was recognized as the first “Health and Productivity Stock Selection.”
4.9
JAL's air observation project CONTRAIL received the Special Award of The 24th Grand Prize for the Global Environment Award.
5.11
JAL signed a Corporate Marketing Partnership with Universal Studios Japan®, becoming the company's official airline partner.
6.15
JAL was named official airline partner of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
6.16
JAL received its first Best Economy Class Airline Seat award at Skytrax's 2015 World Airline Award.
6.27
Introduction of “FLY JAL to 2020” jet with special livery on domestic routes (Boeing 777-300JA751J).
7.14
JAL inaugurated its “JAL Happy Journey Express” livery aircraft for domestic flights (Boeing737-800).
8.6
JAL was named official airline of the International Basketball Federation (until December).
8.21
JAL began accepting JMB G.G WAON and AEON JMB Card (with G.G. mark).
9.29
JAL's international Economy Class seat JAL SKY WIDER II won the 2015 Good Design Award.
10.22
JAL signed a corporate partnership agreement with HAKUTO, operated by ispace, inc., Japan's first privately developed moon exploration team.
10.25
Launch of Haneda =Guanzhou, Haneda =Shanghai (Pudong).
11.4
JAL received highest ranking in two International Airlines Category indicators in the 2015 JCSI survey. JAL was ranked number one in “Loyalty” for the third year in a row, and “Customer Satisfaction” for the first time.
11.10
JAL's in-flight magazine, SKYWARD, received the award of excellence at The First Brand USA Media Awards.
11.30
JAL inaugurates the Tokyo=Dallas route.

1.7
JAL received On-Time Performance Service Award its the Major International Airlines and Asia-Pacific Major Airlines categories by U.S., FlightStats Inc.
2.2
JAL signed an official sponsorship agreement with Japan Tennis Association's Japan National Team. JAL became sponsor of the Japan National Team at the Davis Cup and Fed Cup.
3.4
JAL inaugurated its “JET-KEI” livery aircraft on its Haneda - London route.(Boeing777-300ER JA733J)
4.12
JAL became an official partner of Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation.
4.20
JAL began offering its first in-flight Wi-Fi service aboard its J-AIR operated flights, on the Embraer 170 aircraft.
5.10
New aircraft Embraer 190 featuring the new Class J was inaugurated in the Osaka (Itami) - Kagoshima route.
6.9
JAL was the first airline to be named a Competitive IT Strategy Company Stock Selection in an initiative by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Tokyo Stock Exchange to promote strategic IT utilization by companies.
6.18
JAL's SKY SUITE 777, an international Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, was inaugurated in the Haneda - Bangkok route.
9.1
JAL became an official sponsor of the 2017 Sapporo Asian Winter Games.
9.6
JAL entered into an agreement to become an official supporter of Japan Wheelchair Basketball Federation.
9.22
JAL inaugurated its “JAL Doraemon Jet” livery aircraft in its Narita - Shanghai (Pudong) route (Boeing767-300 JA610J).
JAL was awarded the Excellence in the Field of Outbound Travel/Promotion Category by the Japan Tourism Awards for its 31 years of involvement with the JAL Honolulu Marathon.
9.29
JAL's newly revamped international aircraft, SKY SUITE 777 configured Boeing 777-20 aircraft received the 2016 Good Design Award.
10.14
JAL inaugurated its “Tokyo 2020 Games” livery aircraft, featuring a design shared with ANA.
11.8
The 2016 JCSI Survey ranked JAL number 1 in “Loyalty” and “Recommendation” in its International Airlines Category. JALPAK was ranked number 1 in “Customer Satisfaction” in the Travel Category for the second consecutive year.
12.9
JAL Factory Tour “SKY MUSEUM” is ranked No. 1 in “I’m glad I went! Free tourism spot ranking2016” of world’s largest travel site TripAdvisor.
12.14
As part of its Kyushu Support Project, JAL inaugurated its 〈“VISIT KYUSHU! Jet”〉 livery aircraft on its domestic routes. (Boeing 767-300)
12.30
JAL inaugurated its “JAL Doraemon Jet” livery aircraft on its domestic routes (with Boeing767-300)

4.1
New daily service between Haneda and New York operated with the Boeing 777-300ER.
5.1
Sales launch of JAL FALCON Business Jet Service combining JAL scheduled flights (Tokyo=Paris) and business jet charter service.
9.1
Launches JAL SBI Fintec, a holding company with SBI Group. Forms JAL Payment Port, a joint venture for the new business operation, on September 19.
9.1
New daily service between Narita and Melbourne operated with the Boeing 787-8.
9.15
New daily service between Narita and Kona operated with the Boeing 767-300ER.
9.26
Signs a comprehensive partnership agreement with Hawaiian Airlines. Codeshare flights from March 23, 2018 and frequent flyer program partnership from October 1, 2018.
10.26
Launches JAL STEAM SCHOOL as part of its Soraiku® program.
11.7
Achieves #1 ranking in international airlines category of JCSI survey.
11.7
Signs an Official Partner Agreement for the SHOOTING STAR challenge, the world’s first artificial shooting star project.
11.16
Transforms Passenger Service System to Altea of Amadeus IT Group.
11.27
Signs a comprehensive partnership agreement with Aeroflot Russian Airlines.
12.1
Launches support to improve safety and quality of Spring Airlines Japan Co., Ltd..

4.1
Posts JAL Group inflight magazine SKYWARD on special webpage.
4.1
Launches JAL Innovation Lab, an open innovation activity base.
4.2
Launches new JAL Pet FAMILY service.
7.31
Establishes and registers TBL Co., Ltd. as a preparatory company for the new international mid- and long-haul LCC.
8.2
Signs a memorandum of understanding to pursue a joint business agreement with China Eastern Airlines.
9.6
Signs a comprehensive partnership agreement with Garuda Indonesia. Codeshare flights from October 28, 2018.
10.4
JALEC Engine Maintenance Center (Narita) starts assembly of lunar lander for HAKUTO-R, the world’s first commercial lunar exploration program.
11.29
Starts acceptance of applications for travel prepaid card JAL Global WALLET.

1.25
Establishes JAL Business Aviation Co., Ltd. (Services starts on 9.24)
2.4
Opens JAL official travel community site(trico).
2.4
Establishes "JAL Digital Experience" jointly with Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.
2.12
Reservation start date for international flights is changed to 360 days prior to departure.
3.1
JAL Group receives "Health and Productivity 2019 white 500" award.
3.8
Establishes Japan's first medium to long-range LCC airline ZIPAIR Tokyo, Co., Ltd.
3.17
Inaugurates JALXBenesse "Kodomo Challenge" and "JAL Shimajiro"(2nd version) special livery aircraft.
3.19
Inaugurates Japan's wheel chair rugby team support special livery aircraft.
3.31
Launches Narita-Seattle route.
4.8
Inaugurates "Everyone's JAL2020 Jet 1st." livery aircraft.
4.19
Inaugurates TV drama series "Natsuzora" special livery aircraft.
5.22
Inaugurates "ARASHI HAWAII JET" special livery aircraft to celebrate 65 years anniversary of Hawaii route.
5.27
Reaches an agreement with Malaysia Airlines for a joint business.
5.31
J-AIR inaugurates "JAL Minion Jet2" special livery aircraft.
6.6
Reservation start date for domestic flights is changed to 330 days prior to departure.
6.11
Receives the state of the art and the first Airbus A350-900(Operations starts on 9.1)
6.19
JAL named world's best economy class and best economy class airline seat at Skytrax world airline award ceremony 2019.
6.27
Operates Japan's first "JAL LGBT ALLY" charter flight.
7.9
Reaches an agreement with Japan's Cabinet Office for disaster measures.
7.11
Inaugurates "Everyone's JAL2020 Jet 2nd." livery aircraft.
7.23
JAL becomes supporting partner of Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch.
9.1
Renews in-flight safety demonstration video for international and domestic flights.
11.26
Inaugurates "20TH ARASHI THNAKS JET" livery aircraft to celebrate their CD debut 20 years anniversary and 10 years anniversary of JAL CM character for domestic flights.
11.28
Received IT Grand Prize at FY2019(37th) IT Award.
12.9
Launches web version of SKYWORD "SKYWORD + (plus)"
12.19
Malaysia Airlines and JAL granted approvals for joint business agreement.
12.26
Commits as a member of "The Valuable 500"

2.1
Inaugurates "Supporting Shuri Castle Reconstruction" special livery aircraft.
2.28
Launches Natira-Vladivostok route.
3.3
Inaugurates "Japan Expo." special livery aircraft to appeal Japanese culture and art.
3.18
Operates "TOKYO 2020" flight collaborating with ANA to transport the Olympic torch(arrived at Matsushima base of Japan Air Self Defense Force in Miyagi Pref. on 3.20)
3.29
Launches Haneda-Chicago/Dallas Fortworth/Honolulu/Sydney routes.
4.1
Introduces new uniform.
4.12
Launches Narita-Bengaluru route.
4.21
Japan Air Commuter starts flights with JAL flight number.
4.27
Launches a banking service "JAL NEOBANK" for JAL Mileage Bank members.
6.15
Launches a service "JAL Wellness & Travel" for promotion of wellness jointly with Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
7.1
Starts the world's first service using a self-driving wheel chair at Haneda airport.
7.1
Introduces virtual and real hybrid "On-line Trip"
7.1
Launches Haneda-Helsinki route.
7.25
Starts a joint business with Malaysia Airlines.
10.21
Japan Air Commuter and Hokkaido Air System joined One World alliance as affiliate members.
11.17
Introduces on-line "JAL Remote Factory Tour".
11.18
Inaugurates "JAL DREAM EXPRESS FANTASIA 80" special livery aircraft to celebrate 80 years anniversary of Walt Disney movie "Fantasia".
11.24
Distributes on-line live play of JAL Bell Star 2020.
11.25
Opens "JAL Furusato Nouzei" web site.
12.21
Starts serving an JAL original new in-flight bevalage"Skytime Peach&Grape".
12.25
Launches a service "JAL SMART AIRPORT" providing comfortable human and self services using the latest technology is fully operational at Haneda Airport.

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