JAL increases 787 order and adds new routes

By Caroline Clayfield on 21-Feb-2012

Japan Airlines (JAL) is taking another positive step in its turnaround from its financial troubles in recent year, by increasing its order for Boeing 787s and adding new routes to its roster of long-haul destinations, increasing the likelihood of new cabin crew jobs and pilot jobs.

The Japanese flag carrier has boosted its existing order for 787s to some 45 aircraft, after ordering ten more of the 787-9 models and ordering the upgrading of ten of its existing 787-8s to 787-9s. The airline’s total order book for Boeing now stands at 25 787-8s, and 20 787-9s, with options for a further 20 aircraft.

The new long-haul routes will launch with the 787 crafts, flying to Helsinki in Finland and to San Diego in California. The new routes add to the already announced new long-haul route from Tokyo Narita to Boston, from April this year. The San Diego route will commence in September this year, while Helsinki will begin in March 2013.

The new 787 models will be integral to the airline’s aviation services, and will be used on routes to New Delhi, Moscow and to Beijing, although it has not been confirmed when they will start to be used. All of the daily flights to Singapore will use the crafts from September this year, and they will also be brought on for the Bangkok routes.