Press Release
JAL Announces Changes to 2026 International Route Schedule and Updates to Inflight Services
Summary
- To meet the strong demand to and through Japan, including traffic between North America and Asia, Narita-San Diego and Narita-Bengaluru will increase to daily operations from September 2026.
- On the JL41/JL42 Haneda-London route, JAL will operate its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft from Thursday, October 1, 2026, to Saturday, March 27, 2027. Together with the A350 already in operation on JL43/JL44, this change will bring its newest aircraft and cabins to double-daily service for a limited time between London and Tokyo.
- Frequency of Narita-Melbourne route will be increased during the winter schedule, beginning October 25, 2026. Additionally, the Haneda-Helsinki and Kansai-Los Angeles routes will be increased to daily operations from September to October.
- JAL’s well-received new Business Class meal service will be expanded to more long-haul routes. Further enhancements to the inflight experience will also be introduced, including the introduction of the renowned Japanese sake "Hakurakusei" to Premium Economy and Economy Class, and special entertainment options commemorating the 60th Anniversary of The Beatles' Visit to Japan.
Tokyo, JAPAN―Japan Airlines (JAL) today announced changes to its international flight frequency plan and in-flight services for fiscal year 2026.
◆Fleet / Network / Schedule Updates
Updates to the flight frequency and fleet plans will be implemented as detailed below, to be sequentially reflected in the reservation system hereafter. The following plans and schedules are subject to application and approval by the relevant authorities.
- A350-1000 Deployed Routes: The Haneda-London route (JL41/JL42) will be added for a limited time, bringing the total to 14 flights across 5 routes.
(*) Details: https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/A350-1000/schedule/hndcdg/
- Flight frequency on the following routes will be increased to daily operation.
◆Inflight Experience Updates
- Expansion of Updated International Business Class Inflight Meal Service
Since March 2026, a new inflight meal service has been in operation exclusively on the New York route (*). Following positive customer feedback, the new service will be expanded to more long-haul international routes from June. Specifically, the first meal service now allows passengers to select their dessert from an expanded lineup displayed on a dessert cart circulating the cabin. As passenger seats become more private, JAL hopes that providing a warm human touch will be a delightful conclusion to a satisfying meal.
(*) Refer to the February 24, 2026 Press Release for more details.
- Introduction of "Hakurakusei" in Premium Economy and Economy Class
With the intention of brewing the ultimate sake to pair with food--a great supporting actor that enhances the taste of any cuisine it accompanies--Niizawa Sake Brewery in Miyagi, one of Japan's leading breweries, has specially brewed "Hakurakusei Junmai Ginjo" exclusively for JAL. This will be offered as the new Japanese sake in Premium Economy and Economy Class. JAL hopes that its guests will feel delighted by this exceptional sake that embodies the essence of Japan, and enjoy it as a superb accompaniment to their inflight dining experience.
- 60 Years on from their Visit to Japan, The Beatles Original Studio Catalog Coming to JAL Inflight Entertainment
Stepping down from the JAL aircraft in traditional happi coats, The Beatles' arrival to Japan in 1966 remains an iconic moment in history. To mark the 60th anniversary of their historic visit, JAL is thrilled to bring you all 13 original studio albums, alongside the acclaimed documentary film "The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years."
Through services like these, JAL will continue striving to awaken the senses of its guests, bringing moments to life and creating experiences that resonate deeply with all its customers.
