Japan Airlines (JAL) has launched the first ever direct flight from Asia to Boston’s Logan International Airport, using its brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The new daily service from Tokyo’s Narita airport landed in the Massachusetts city yesterday, where passengers were welcomed by JAL’s Chairman Masaru Onishi. The launch also marks the Dreamliner’s commercial debut in the US.
The launch of the new route has been made possible by the Dreamliner, which has been described as a “hub-buster” for its ability to fly previously uneconomical long-haul routes in a more cost-effective manner.
“By deploying the 787 Dreamliner on long-haul routes to markets that can garner substantial travel demand such as Boston, JAL is making best use of the aircraft’s long-range capability, appropriate capacity, and its economic performance,” said JAL’s President, Yoshiharu Ueki at the departure gate in Narita yesterday.
“Last year, more than 400,000 people flew from Boston Logan to Asia and either ended their trip in Tokyo or continued on to China, Southeast Asia or India,” said David Mackey, Interim CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates Boston Logan. “This non-stop service connecting New England to Japan is historic and will help businesses prosper, open up new leisure destinations, and bring nations closer together.”
Boston becomes JAL’s seventh gateway in North America, and the 10th route in the airline’s trans-Pacific joint venture with American Airlines.
JAL’s 787 Dreamliner is fitted with 186 seats – 42 in business class and 144 in economy. The airline has a total of 45 Dreamliners on order.
