JAL receives first two Dreamliners
Japan Airlines (JAL) has taken delivery of its first two Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Boeing’s factory in Washington state attended by JAL’s President Yoshiharu Ueki and Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ President & CEO Jim Albaugh.
“Today is an important moment in our 60-year relationship with Japan Airlines as we celebrate the deliveries of not one, but two Dreamliners,” said Albaugh. “The 787 will provide the fuel-efficient airplane needed to serve Japan Airlines’ growing international operations.”
“JAL will be the first airline to start new routes that have never been flown before by taking full advantage of the efficiencies of this aircraft, starting with Boston service next month and San Diego later this year,” said JAL’s Ueki. “The 787 with GEnx engines has the performance economics that JAL is looking for to ensure route profitability, and also the enhanced in-flight comfort that our customers will be delighted with.”
Monday morning’s delivery event included Japanese Taiko drummers and an aircraft unveiling ceremony and was attended by guests from JAL, Boeing and engine supplier General Electric. JAL is the first airline to take delivery of a 787 powered by General Electric’s GEnx engines.
JAL has ordered 45 Dreamliners – 25 B787-8s and 20 B787-9s. The two aircraft delivered yesterday were the smaller B787-8s, and will be fitted with 186 seats in a two-class configuration with 42 seats in business class and 144 in economy.
The carrier will use the aircraft on existing routes to destinations including Beijing, Moscow, New Delhi and Singapore, as well as launching new trans-Pacific routes to Boston and San Diego.
The aircraft mark a key part of JAL’s recovery plan following its January 2010 filing for bankruptcy protection. The new fuel-efficient Dreamliners will replace the airline’s aging long-haul aircraft.
The first two Dreamliners departed the US yesterday at 4pm and will arrive at Tokyo’s Narita airport at 6.30pm this evening following a non-stop flight.