JAL2030 Sustainable Charter Flight
Based on the concept of making all flights sustainable by 2030, we operated a "Sustainable Charter Flight" (hereinafter referred to as "Model Flight") on November 18, 2022. In addition to our own efforts, the JAL Group will continue to work toward the realization of a sustainable society with the cooperation of our customers, companies, and local communities.
Actions of the JAL Group
Net Zero CO2 Emissions
Effective Use of Limited Resources
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Accessibility
Regional Revitalization
Net Zero CO2 Emissions
The annual amount of CO2 emitted by air transportation in the world is approximately 300 million tons*, which is about the same as the annual emissions* of all of Japan.
We have taken various measures to achieve net zero CO2 emissions from air transportation.
*Fiscal 2019 results for both
Operation with fuel-efficient aircraft
Third A350-900 aircraft (green) used on the day of the model flight
The Airbus A350-900, the state-of-the-art fuel-efficient aircraft, is used.
This aircraft reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 15-25% compared to conventional aircraft, and is also a low-noise, environmentally friendly aircraft.
After the introduction of the first aircraft in 2019, up to 16 aircraft have been introduced (as of December 2022); the introduction of the A350-1000 aircraft is planned for 2023.
The model flight used the third aircraft, painted in eco-friendly green.
Use of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) was loaded on this flight.
SAF is made from ingredients such as inedible plants and animal fat, and is able to reduce CO2 emissions by about 80%, including the manufacturing process, compared to fossil-based fuels.
In cooperation with ITOCHU and Neste, the model flight was equipped with SAF, which is made from animal fat, for about 38% of the total fuel.
Reduction of CO2 in daily operations
Exhibition panel showing CO2 reduction in daily operations and the CO2 reduction effects
We are also working to reduce CO2 emissions through our daily operations.
- Departure: "One-engine taxi-at-departure" method is used, in which only one engine is used to move the aircraft to the runway vicinity and operated until just before takeoff.
- During takeoff: Fuel consumption is reduced by accelerating earlier.
- During flight: The aircraft maintains an altitude of 12,200 meters, which is optimal for energy conservation.
In this model flight, the in-flight magazine SKYWARD was removed to reduce weight as part of the CO2 reduction initiatives.
Also, window shades were closed after landing to maintain a constant cabin temperature and reduce the use of air conditioning.
Actions of CO2 emission reduction on the ground
Electric towing tractor
CO2 is also emitted from the various vehicles working at airports.
The model flight also achieved net zero CO2 emissions at the airport by using an electric towing tractor and a high-lift loader powered by biodiesel fuel.
Effective Use of Limited Resources
The JAL Group is working to reduce the amount of virgin petroleum-based plastic and food waste on board to make effective use of limited resources, in order to pass on our precious Earth to the next generation.
We have also implemented a variety of initiatives on this model flight.
Reduction of single-use plastic in inflight services
The lids of beverages served on board were changed from plastic to paper and were introduced on this model flight. In addition, straw slippers were newly introduced for first class passengers, and the packaging materials for inflight meals in Class J and economy seats and headphones common to all classes were changed to biodegradable plastic. We have worked to reduce the use of disposable plastics in inflight service items.
Plastic lid (left) and paper lid (right)
Slippers made from straw introduced in first class
Headphone packaging made from 100% biodegradable plastic
Serving of sustainable inflight meals
We have also taken an eco-friendly approach to our inflight meals by using a wide variety of sustainable ingredients.
First Class meals were prepared using "Future 50 foods," which are healthy and environmentally friendly.
The special hamburger served to Class J and economy class passengers was made with soybean meat patty, which has a lower environmental impact than beef, and "spirulina" (algae), a superfood, was kneaded into the bun and mayonnaise.
Customers who requested in advance that they did not need an inflight meal were given Sustainable Miles as a reward for their cooperation in reducing food waste.
Moving forward, we are working to establish a program whereby customers can earn status points by implementing sustainability initiatives such as the Meal Skip Option service.
First class inflight meal
Inflight meal for class J and economy class
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Aiming to create a society where employees of various origins can play an active role, a diverse range of crew and staff members took part in the event.
On the model flight, six of the 13 cabin attendants were male. In addition, two employees with hearing impairments from JAL Sunlight, a special subsidiary of JAL, served as cabin support staff, distributing hand towels and ice cream, and presenting the outline of inflight talk events with sign language.
We will continue to expand opportunities for a variety of employees to play an active role.
Cabin attendant in service
JAL Sunlight staff presenting the inflight talk events with sign language
JAL Sunlight staff giving out ice creams
Accessibility
The JAL Group is working to improve accessibility in order to realize a society where everyone can enjoy a richer life through travel.
On the day of the model flight, cabin attendants with in-house accessibility certifications and airport staff with service aide certifications served as staffs.
We are also working to improve accessibility for customers traveling with disabilities by setting up special assistance counters at airports and deploying wooden wheelchairs that allow customers to pass through security checkpoints without getting off the wheelchair.
The JAL Group has been developing accessible tourism to enable customers with disabilities to enjoy their travel. We will continue to expand this program to create an environment in which all customers can enjoy their travel.
Wooden wheelchair
Regional Revitalization
We are also working to revitalize regions in order to solve various local issues.
Souvenirs such as baggage tags made from Okinawan Kariyushi wear waste and used JAL seat cover, and tumblers made from "bagasse," sugarcane pomace, were handed out. In addition, additive-free 100% apple juice made from non-standard apples made in Aomori prefecture were served on board.
Upon arrival in Okinawa, several optional tours were be offered to learn about Okinawa's nature and culture. Customers were invited to participate in a tour around Shuri Castle and a tour of the Yambaru area (northern part of Okinawa) to experience nature and experience the sustainability of Okinawa.
Baggage tags made from Okinawan Kariyushi wear
Tumbler made with 55% "bagasse" included
Tour learning about the nature in Yambaru region (image)
Together with our customers
Net Zero CO2 Emissions
Reduction of aircraft weight
Reducing aircraft weight reduces fuel consumption, which results in CO2 emissions.
Customers participated in the model flight helped reduce the weight of the aircraft by carrying less baggage than usual.
A reduction of 1kg of baggage leads to a reduction of 300 cc of fuel and approximately 0.75kg of CO2 emissions. (In the case of the Tokyo - New York route)
We ask for your cooperation in reducing the weight of your baggage by not bringing extra "just in case" items.
JAL Carbon Offset
This is an initiative to reduce CO2 emissions generated by flight operations to net zero by donating to CO2 absorption projects.
On the model flight, all customers kindly cooperated with carbon offsetting to achieve net zero CO2 emissions.
Carbon offsets are available on all flights. We hope you will take advantage of carbon offsets the next time you fly with us.
"Decabo" score (score showing the percentage of decarbonization) showing the achievement of net zero CO2 emissions with the cooperation of customers
Carbon offset program
Effective Use of Limited Resources
Collection of paper cups and lids
We had customers cooperating with collecting paper cups and lids separate from other trash.
The JAL Group has been collecting and recycling paper cups and lids on some Japan domestic routes since December 1, 2022.
We would appreciate your cooperation when you fly with us next time on applicable Japan domestic routes.
Pre-cancellation service of inflight meals "JAL Meal Skip Option"
Customers who do not eat inflight meals are asked to notify us in advance to reduce the preparation and loading of unnecessary inflight meals.
This service was launched in 2019 and has been rolled out to all international routes since December 2022. If you do not wish to eat inflight meals, we encourage you to cancel in advance.
We will continue to make various efforts to realize a sustainable world together with our customers.
