Japan Airlines (JAL) has moved forward retiring the legendary Boeing 777-300ER from its Tokyo Haneda to London Heathrow route. Starting on January 2, 2025, the Airbus A350-1000 will fulfil this long-haul route, showing JAL’s commitment to advancing its fleet and meeting sustainability goals.
Legendary Boeing 777-300ER final operation
The Boeing 777-300ER, which joined JAL’s fleet in 2004, has served as the key aircraft for the airline’s international operations. It replaced the Boeing 747-400, which connected key routes such as New York and London. Over the years, JAL acquired 13 of these aircraft, the last of which took its final international flight on January 1, 2025.
Operating as flight JL43, the aircraft departed Tokyo Haneda at 10:01 am local time and landed at London Heathrow at 2:56 PM, concluding its 14-hour and 25-minute journey. With its ‘W84’ cabin configuration, the aircraft hosted 244 passengers across four classes, including 8 in First class and 49 in Business class. Despite retiring from international service, the 777-300ER will continue offering selected routes to destinations such as Chicago, Los Angeles and Paris as well as regional routes within Asia.
Welcoming the Airbus A350-100
By replacing the Boeing 777-300ER on the Tokyo-London route, the Airbus A350-1000 presents outstanding efficiency and an unforgettable passenger experience. It is also designed to consume less fuel and produce less noise. In addition, the A350’s target is meeting JAL’s sustainability goals and offering innovative technology for smoother and safer flights.
This radical shift constitutes JAL’s broader fleet renewal strategy, which plans to operate 11 A350 aircraft by the end of 2025. Particularly, the airline aims to utilise this next-generation fleet on popular routes to Europe and North America, including Paris and the U.S. West Coast.
With the introduction of this aircraft, one question occurs: How will the new Airbus A350-1000 reform the future of long-haul air travel for JAL passengers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
