Japan Airlines Expands Routes, Modernizes Fleet for 2025

TOKYO, Japan — Japan Airlines (JAL) unveiled an ambitious network expansion and fleet modernization plan for its fiscal year 2025 summer schedule, introducing new routes, increased frequencies, and upgraded aircraft across its domestic and international operations.

The airline will launch a new Tokyo-Chicago (ORD) service on May 31, 2025, in partnership with American Airlines. The route, operating under a codeshare agreement, will strengthen JAL’s North American network and facilitate connections between Southeast Asia, India, and North America. Flights will arrive in Chicago at 15:45 and depart at 12:10, with operations running from September 1 to October 25, 2025.

Japan Transocean Air, a subsidiary of JAL, will make its international debut with a new Naha–Taipei route, targeting growing inbound tourism demand. Specific launch dates for this service will be announced within fiscal year 2025.

JAL is also increasing frequencies on several high-demand routes. The Narita–San Diego and Narita-Bengaluru routes will operate daily from March 30 to October 25, while the Kansai–Los Angeles, Kansai-Honolulu, and Chubu-Honolulu routes will upgrade to daily service from July 18 to October 25. The Narita-Honolulu route will double to twice-daily operations throughout July 2025.

Fleet modernization remains a key focus, with the Airbus A350-1000 set to debut on the Haneda–Paris route starting May 1, 2025, operating on alternate days. The aircraft will also be deployed on the Los Angeles route during the summer schedule, though specific dates are pending.

Domestically, JAL is enhancing connectivity with expanded operations on key routes. The Osaka Itami-Misawa service will double to twice-daily flights from March 30, while the Osaka Itami-Sapporo New Chitose route will temporarily increase to five daily flights from June 1 to meet seasonal demand.

Premium services will see upgrades as well, with JAL First Class introduced on the Tokyo Haneda-Miyako route. Ticket sales for this service begin January 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

JAL’s partnership with Major League Baseball, announced in December 2024, aims to boost transpacific travel demand through sports tourism initiatives. The airline plans to release its flight frequency schedule for the second half of fiscal year 2025 in a separate announcement, with winter schedule details available in the reservation system by late June 2025.

In a nod to pop culture, JAL also unveiled the JAL x Universal Studios Japan Jet 2, a specially themed aircraft featuring Super Mario and Donkey Kong. The plane will operate domestic routes connecting Osaka’s Itami Airport with cities like Aomori, Kagoshima, and Fukuoka through June 2026.