Japan Airlines to launch NYC-Tokyo Haneda flights

Japan Airlines will add nonstop service between New York JFK and Tokyo’s close-to-downtown Haneda Airport, the carrier announced Thursday.

The new route – which will be in addition to JAL’s existing service between JFK and Tokyo’s more-distant Narita airport – will launch April 1. The airline will fly one daily round-trip flight on the route using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Narita is Tokyo’s primary international gateway while Haneda’s route map is more heavily tilted toward regional flights. For many travelers, Haneda is the preferred Tokyo airport because of its proximity to the city.

JAL was able to add the route at slot-controlled Haneda airport by freeing up slots from another route. To make that happen, JAL’s Honolulu-Haneda route will be shifted to Narita, according to the airline.

Meanwhile, JAL also said it would expand capacity on its existing flights between New York JFK and Tokyo Narita. The airline will do that by switching to 244-seat Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, providing an 83-seat boost from the 161-seat Boeing 787-8 “Dreamliner” the carrier currently flies on the route.

The switch to the 777-300ER also will allow JAL to offer a first-class product between JFK and Narita. The airline’s 777-300ERs seat eight in first class, 49 in business class, 40 in premium economy and 147 in standard coach. JAL’s 787-8s are configured with 38 business class seats, but they do not have a first-class cabin. The 787-8s also seat 35 in premium economy and 88 in standard coach.