TOKYO- Japan Airlines (JL) or JAL will retire its first-ever Boeing 777-300ER (JA731J), marking the end of a two-decade era in its long-haul fleet. The final commercial journey will depart from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) as Flight JL015.
This aircraft first joined the fleet in June 2004 and served its maiden flight from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Singapore (SIN). Following its final flight, it will undergo a multi-month retirement maintenance phase.
Photo: By Alan Wilson – Boeing 777-346ER ‘JA731J’ Japan Airlines, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33925304Japan Airlines to Retire First 777
The Boeing 777-300ER has long been the backbone of Japan Airlines’ international operations. JA731J, the first of its kind introduced by JAL, represents both a technological milestone and a turning point in JAL’s fleet modernization.
Delivered on June 15, 2004, it began service just weeks later on July 1, flying between Tokyo Narita and Singapore.
Over its 20-year lifespan, JA731J supported global routes with reliability and range, playing a central role in JAL’s expansion across key international markets.
As of now, JAL operates 13 Boeing 777-300ERs, primarily on long-haul routes to North America and Europe. The airline had already retired one before JA731J, with more retirements planned as newer models take over.
Photo: By Kentaro Iemoto from Tokyo, Japan – JAL B777-300ER(JA731J), CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23458469The final flight of JA731J will operate as JL015 from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) on May 26, departing at 1:40 PM and arriving the following day at 5:25 PM. This route has long been one of JAL’s premier trans-Pacific services, showcasing the 777’s capabilities.
JAL is now shifting its focus to the Airbus A350-1000, which will gradually replace the 777-300ERs on international routes.
The A350-1000 offers better fuel efficiency, quieter cabins, and updated passenger amenities. JAL has positioned the A350 as its new flagship, aligning with global industry trends toward more sustainable and modern fleets.
The A350-1000 is configured in a four-class layout:
- 6 First Class
- 54 Business Class
- 24 Premium Economy
- 155 Economy
Photo: By Alan Wilson – Boeing 777-346ER ‘JA731J’ Japan Airlines, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33925300Similar 777 Retirement
At the start of this year, Japan Airlines (JL) officially retired the Boeing 777-300ER from its Tokyo Haneda (HND) to London Heathrow (LHR) route, marking the end of an era for the long-haul workhorse.
From January 2, 2025, JL replaced the aircraft with the newer Airbus A350-1000, reinforcing its strategy to modernize its international fleet while enhancing fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
Japan Airlines introduced the Boeing 777-300ER in 2004, gradually phasing out its aging Boeing 747-400s. Over the next five years, JL added 13 units of the 777-300ER to its fleet. This aircraft became a staple on major long-haul routes such as New York (JFK), London (LHR), and Los Angeles (LAX).
The final 777-300ER flight on the Tokyo Haneda (HND) to London Heathrow (LHR) route was operated by aircraft JA739J on January 1, 2025. Designated as flight JL43, it departed HND at 10:01 AM and arrived in LHR at 2:56 PM after a 14-hour, 25-minute journey.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Japan Airlines to Order 17 New Boeing 737 MAX, Eyes 11 A321neos
The post Japan Airlines to Retire First 777-300ER with Last Flight from Los Angeles appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
