Press Release
Japan Airlines Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Tokyo-New York Route
― Special Inflight Menus, Commemorative Departure Ceremonies, and Fleet Innovations Mark Six Decades of Connecting Tokyo and New York ―
Tokyo, JAPAN―Japan Airlines (JAL) marks the 60th anniversary of its Tokyo-New York route on November 12, 2026, celebrating six decades of scheduled air service between Japan and the United States.
The route inaugurated scheduled commercial operations in 1966 with twice-weekly flights aboard a Douglas DC-8 aircraft named "SETO," routing via Honolulu and San Francisco before reaching New York. In 1983, JAL launched direct non-stop service between Tokyo and New York, dramatically reducing flight times between the two nations. Over the past 60 years, the route has welcomed millions of travelers for business, leisure, education, diplomacy, and cultural exchange--playing a pivotal role in Japanese enterprise expansion overseas, inbound tourism, and bilateral partnership. Today, the route serves as a major international corridor offering twice-daily round-trip flights between Tokyo (Haneda) and New York (JFK), providing approximately 350,000 seats annually.
To commemorate this milestone and express sincere gratitude to passengers across the decades, JAL held special commemorative departure ceremonies at both Haneda Airport Terminal 3 and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), alongside limited-edition inflight menus and exclusive merchandise.
Japan Airlines remains deeply grateful to every passenger who has flown this historic route over the past 60 years and remains committed to delivering the highest level of hospitality as the airline of choice for travelers worldwide.
Commemorative 60th Anniversary Departure Ceremonies
To celebrate six decades of bridge-building between the two cities, commemorative departure ceremonies were held at both Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Passengers traveling on the milestone anniversary flights were welcomed with special gate festivities, heritage memorabilia displays, and exclusive commemorative gifts to mark the historic occasion.
Commemorative 60th Anniversary Inflight Menus
Service Period: Departures from Thursday, November 12 to Monday, November 16, 2026
Eligible Flights: Haneda to New York (JFK): JL004, JL006
New York (JFK) to Haneda: JL003, JL005
Menu Highlights:
All Classes: Fat Witch NY Brownie
From Japan: Exclusive Miso Flavor
From New York*: Classic Chocolate
*Available exclusively on flight JL005 departing November 12
First Class & Business Class:
From Japan: JAL Royal Catering Original Pudding
From New York: Signature Dessert "Big Apple"
Premium Economy & Economy Class:
From Japan: Matcha Latte
From New York: Matcha Latte & Baby Star Dodekai Ramen Snack
Inflight Experience Updates
As part of ongoing efforts to elevate international long-haul travel, JAL continues to refine its premium customer experience, delivering an authentically Japanese touch tailored to global travelers.
1. New Culinary Collaboration for Flights Departing New York (Spring 2027)
Starting in March 2027, Chef Hiroki Odo of New York's acclaimed restaurant Odo will supervise the second meal service for First and Business Class passengers on flights departing New York, presenting seasonal dining created under the concept of "A Moment of Japan in the Sky."
About Chef Hiroki Odo
Following formal culinary training in Japan and gaining agricultural experience in France, Chef Hiroki Odo relocated to New York in 2012. He earned a Michelin Star as head chef at Kajitsu, the pioneering restaurant that introduced authentic Shōjin Cuisine (traditional Zen Buddhism vegetarian cooking) to the United States. In 2018, he opened the kaiseki restaurant Odo, currently recognized with two Michelin stars. Chef Odo oversees six culinary concepts across Manhattan spanning cocktail craft, culinary art spaces, and premium sushi delivery. Appointed a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in 2024, Chef Odo remains dedicated to sharing the artistry of kaiseki cuisine through time-honored techniques paired with contemporary presentation.
Eligible Routes: New York (JFK) to Haneda
Cabin Classes: Second Meal Service for First Class and Business Class
Launch Date: March 2027
2. Enhanced Business Class Dining Service
Introduced in March 2026, an enhanced dining service now features an expanded dessert selection presented directly cabin-side via dessert carts during the first meal service. As modern long-haul seats provide greater enclosed privacy, this interactive presentation brings a personalized, attentive touch to complete each passenger's dining experience.
3. Curated New York-Themed Entertainment
In honor of the route's diamond jubilee, inflight entertainment programs for the anniversary period spotlight classic and contemporary films set in New York, alongside curated audio channels featuring iconic New York-inspired music and commentary on the 60-year history of the Tokyo-New York route.
4. Elevated Long-Haul Travel Aboard the Airbus A350-1000
The debut of the Airbus A350-1000 in early 2024 established a new standard for JAL's international fleet, initially deployed on the Tokyo-New York corridor ahead of worldwide operations. The aircraft introduces enhanced personal privacy across all classes, 4K high-resolution personal monitors, wireless Bluetooth audio connectivity at every seat, and reduced cabin altitude pressure for superior long-haul comfort.
●First Class: First-class travel should be an uncompromising experience, and JAL's A350-1000 delivers on every front. Within the privacy and comfort of a personal suite, the seat offers three adjustable modes-- sofa, seat, and double bed-- allowing passengers to tailor the space to their needs, evoking the feeling of an expansive living room or a relaxing bedroom. Additionally, the suite can be arranged to accommodate up to three people facing each other inflight, making conversations and meetings a comfortable option.
●Business Class: Business class pairs luxury and functionality to set a new standard of comfort on the A350-1000. Every business class passenger enjoys a private suite offering best-in-class privacy alongside thoughtful innovations. The suite's translucent sliding door, inspired by traditional shoji sliding screens, and a privacy partition between adjacent suites combine to create a serene environment, allowing travelers to spend their time on board as they wish.
●Premium Economy Class: Premium Economy on board the A350-1000 offers an unprecedented level of comfort. The seat pitch has been optimized to ensure ample legroom, while the fixed-back shell design allows passengers to recline without intruding on the space of those seated behind. Featuring an electronic reclining function-- a world-first for Premium Economy Class-- adjusting the backrest and legrest is effortless at the touch of a button. Seats also include an easy-to-operate privacy partition, an aisle-side privacy wing next to the headrest, a cocktail table with a fold-out extension, and built-in armrest storage with charging ports.
●Economy Class: When traveling with JAL, the comfort of Economy Class is unmatched. Japan Airlines has received the 'Best Economy Class Airline Seats' award from SKYTRAX-- the prestigious organization behind the World Airline Awards-- for six consecutive years, and the experience has been elevated even further aboard the A350-1000. With a slightly deeper initial backrest recline angle than conventional seats, passengers can enjoy a noticeably more relaxing posture even during takeoff and landing.
Key Historical Milestones: Tokyo-New York Route
●April 2, 1964: First flight to New York (Special charter transport for New York World's Fair personnel).
●November 12, 1966: Inauguration of scheduled commercial service operating twice weekly
(Tokyo-Honolulu-San Francisco-New York).
●1967: Frequency increased to 5 flights weekly in conjunction with the launch of JAL's around-the-world route.
●1968: Dedicated freighter service introduced to New York, strengthening cross-border logistics.
●1983: Direct non-stop passenger flights between Tokyo and New York officially begin.
●2023: Operation of a special "Sustainable Challenge Flight" coinciding with the United Nations SDG Summit.
●2024: Debut of the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 flagship aircraft on the Tokyo-New York corridor.
●2026: Celebration of the 60th anniversary of scheduled service. Discover more about traveling to New York with JAL: https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/route/hndjfk/
60th Anniversary Commemorative Merchandise
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Tokyo-New York route, Japan Airlines has created an exclusive lineup of original merchandise. These limited-edition items are available for purchase at the "JAL PLAZA FLIGHT SHOP" at Tokyo Haneda Airport.
Product Lineup (Prices excluding tax):
JAL Tokyo-NY 60th Anniversary Pennant-Shaped Embroidered Magnet (Blind Pack / 5 Designs): ¥950
JAL Tokyo-NY 60th Anniversary Clear File Folder (Set of 2): ¥650
JAL Tokyo-NY 60th Anniversary Flight Tag: ¥1,100
Available progressively starting early November 2026 at JAL PLAZA FLIGHT SHOP (Haneda Airport).
Clear File Folder Flight Tag
As a bridge connecting Japan and the international community, Japan Airlines will continue prioritizing absolute operational safety while promoting passenger travel and global logistics, contributing to economic development and fostering mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.