Japan Airlines has done a great job utilizing the Boeing 787 to actually grow their route network. Thanks to the 787, they added routes from Tokyo Narita to Boston and San Diego. On top of that, a few days ago JAL launched 787 flights between Osaka and Los Angeles.
JAL’s CEO was asked about potential future routes to the US, and it seems that Japan Airlines is seriously considering adding a Tokyo Narita to Dallas route, via JAL Flyer. Keep in mind that this is a route which they started operating in 1999, and then discontinued shortly after 9/11.
Launching the route would be a no brainer, given the growth we’re seeing in Texas, as well as the potential connecting traffic thanks to Dallas being the largest hub of oneworld partner American. ANA recently announced that they’ll launch flights to Houston, which is United’s biggest hub.
Also keep in mind that this provides easy transfers to many points in Latin America. Japan Airlines used to fly from Tokyo Narita to Sao Paulo via New York, though that’s a route which has since been discontinued.
American presently flies between Tokyo Narita and Dallas twice daily, so I suspect if JAL started this service it would come in the form of a route swap, whereby they’d take over one of American’s frequencies.
The two airlines have a transpacific joint venture, meaning they share revenue on many routes. One of the best things they can do for routes with multiple frequencies is operate both airlines’ metal, so you can appeal to frequent flyers of both airlines.
While the airlines would like to think that “metal neutrality” is a thing, it really isn’t, in practice. Many American flyers would rather fly American for the ability to upgrade, while anyone that cares about the onboard experience would rather fly JAL.
And JAL really does have a fantastic first class product.
Would you like to see JAL resume flights between Tokyo Narita and Dallas, even if it comes at the expense of an existing American frequency?
I would welcome a JAL flight to DFW especially one that will offer a First Class product which will no longer be available on AA.
No way! Dallas is the last base of AA, AA won't let that happen! One reason there is no AA operated flight between NYC, ORD, LAX (all AA hubs) and HKG is because CX gets there first.
I think the likelier scenario is that JL will commence DFW-HND in lieu of one of AA's existing DFW-NRT flights, and AA may upgrade one of the routes to a single daily 77W. I don't believe its necessary for OneWorld to maintain two daily DFW-NRT flights moving forward with the growth that has come from non-Japan markets to Asia from DFW (HKG, PVG, ICN, PEK).
I'm flying out of MCO to Tokyo around October and would love to see more options out of JAL. Going to be using my AA miles to fly JAL either business or first class. Looks like my best option would be getting to either LAX or SFO for the time being.
@Ivan Y - Is there any information out there as to which routes will have the refurbished seats on the 787 and when they will start flying those? I'm on NRT-SAN in late May and it would be great to fly the Sky Suite.
Gulfstream G550, N803TM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79691705@N05/8691877595/
It's not just resume, but for Toyota US HQ relocation. Please note that Toyota runs their own private jet so F is not required for JAL.
Worth noting that Toyota/Lexus/Toyota Financial are all moving their US headquarters to a joint facility in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area from Torrance, CA.
Toyota also happens to be moving their North American headquarters from Torrance, CA (Los Angeles) to Plano, TX (Dallas). While it may not be enough to justify a new route, it's not nothing.
All for more flights to Japan out of Texas :)
FWIW, JAL's 787 don't have F and currently have a pretty unappealing J. They are just beginning a process to update 787s with their "Sky Suite" J.
Would love to see this happen! JAL happens to be one of my favorites, and their economy seats are actually pretty good!