Japan Airlines Introduces A350-1000 Service to Top Tourist Destination
TOKYO- Japan Airlines (JL) has unveiled its Winter 2025 schedule, highlighting an expansion of both international and domestic routes. Notable features include the introduction of daily flights from Narita to Melbourne (MEL), the return of the Narita to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) route, and the deployment of new aircraft for long-haul services.
In addition, JAL will enhance its domestic offerings by increasing capacity on popular routes such as Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Sapporo New Chitose (CTS) and Osaka Itami (ITM) to Sapporo. The airline is also planning special flights to Honolulu (HNL) during peak holiday periods and will launch Japan Transocean Air (NU) international services.
Japan Airlines A350-1000 to Paris
To accommodate rising demand, JAL will boost international capacity effective October 26, 2025. The Narita to Melbourne (MEL) route will transition to daily operations.
After being suspended for a time, the Narita to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) service will resume for the entire winter season, excluding the period between December 10 and 17.
Starting November 9, 2025, the Airbus A350-1000 will operate on a daily schedule from Haneda to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
This addition highlights that the Haneda–Paris route will be the fifth long-haul destination served by the A350-1000, joining New York (JFK), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), London Heathrow (LHR), and Los Angeles (LAX). The A350-1000 features advanced cabin pressure and humidity control systems along with JAL’s latest premium seating.
There will also be increased flights to Hawaii, with special services connecting Narita (NRT) and Honolulu (HNL) scheduled throughout December and January using Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
Furthermore, larger Boeing 777-300ER planes will be utilized on select Haneda to Honolulu flights around the holiday season, especially on December 27 and 30, as well as in early January 2026.
A significant milestone for the airline group is Japan Transocean Air’s (NU) inaugural regular international flight. Beginning February 2026, it will operate between Okinawa Naha (OKA) and Taipei Taoyuan (TPE), bolstering connectivity between Japan and Taiwan.
Domestic Network Enhancements
Dynamically responding to winter travel demands, JAL plans to increase domestic flight capacities. From January 6 to February 28, 2026, the round-trip frequency on the Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Sapporo New Chitose (CTS) route will rise from 17 to 18 daily flights.
Additionally, the Osaka Itami (ITM) to Sapporo (CTS) route will grow to five daily round trips from January 31 through February 28.
Moreover, the Fukuoka (FUK) to Okinawa Naha (OKA) route will expand from six to seven daily flights between October and January, while the Nagoya Chubu (NGO) to Okinawa Naha (OKA) route will increase from four to five round trips during the December holiday period.
Seasonal adaptations will also be implemented at Sapporo Okadama (OKD) to account for potential weather disruptions during winter.
Fleet Deployment and Service Adjustments
JAL is strategically aligning its fleet based on demand patterns. The introduction of the A350-1000 on the Haneda–Paris route is part of the airline’s initiative to modernize its long-haul fleet with more efficient aircraft.
For Honolulu flights during peak travel times, the Boeing 777-300ER with First Class service will be deployed, providing guests with the premium JAL SUITE product.
These adjustments will also include seasonal increases and decreases across various domestic routes, with expansions to Hokkaido and Okinawa alongside reductions on routes such as Haneda to Aomori (AOJ) and Osaka Itami to Niigata (KIJ) during off-peak periods.
Key Route Updates for FY2025 Winter Schedule
International Routes
| Route | Change/Update | Aircraft Type | Start Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narita (NRT) – Melbourne (MEL) | Increased to daily flights | Boeing 787-9 | Oct 26, 2025 | Previously 3 flights per week |
| Narita (NRT) – Shanghai (PVG) | Service resumed | Boeing 737/787 (varied) | Oct 26, 2025 | No flights Dec 10–17 |
| Haneda (HND) – Paris (CDG) | A350-1000 introduced, daily | Airbus A350-1000 | Nov 9, 2025 | Fifth Haneda long-haul A350-1000 route |
| Haneda (HND) – Honolulu (HNL) | Larger aircraft & First Class offered | Boeing 777-300ER | Dec 27–Jan 10, 2026 | Limited dates, JAL SUITE product |
| Narita (NRT) – Honolulu (HNL) | Special holiday flights | Boeing 787-8 | Dec–Jan (selected) | Added for Honolulu Marathon & holidays |
| Okinawa (OKA) – Taipei (TPE) | New service by Japan Transocean Air | Boeing 737-800 | Feb 2026 | First JTA international route |
Domestic Routes
| Route | Change/Update | Frequency | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haneda (HND) – Sapporo (CTS) | Increased capacity | 18 daily round trips | Jan 6 – Feb 28, 2026 | Up from 17 per day |
| Osaka Itami (ITM) – Sapporo (CTS) | Increased capacity | 5 daily round trips | Jan 31 – Feb 28, 2026 | Up from 4 per day |
| Fukuoka (FUK) – Okinawa Naha (OKA) | Increased capacity | 7 daily round trips | Oct 26, 2025 – Jan 31 | Up from 6 per day |
| Nagoya Chubu (NGO) – Okinawa Naha (OKA) | Increased capacity | 5 daily round trips | Dec 26, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Up from 4 per day |
| Sapporo Okadama (OKD) – Multiple routes | Seasonal schedule adjustments | Varies | Winter 2025–26 | Weather-related modifications |
What are your thoughts on Japan Airlines’ expanded routes and increased capacities?
