Japan Airlines will be retiring JA731J, its second Boeing 777-300ER, after a Monday flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo (Tuesday arrival). This aircraft was the airline’s first 777-300ER and was delivered to Japan Airlines in April 2003, now 22 years old.
Its final flight will take place on Monday, May 26 as flight JL15 from Los Angeles. The aircraft will depart at 13:40 and arrive in Tokyo the following day at 17:25.
This is JAL’s second 777-300ER to hit retirement. JA734J was the first to go; it flew its last flight and retired last September.
Time is Ticking for JAL’s 777s
Japan Airlines has been taking deliveries of Airbus A350-1000s as its flagship aircraft and has been replacing the 777-300ER with them. The airline has now received 9 A350-1000s, and the retirement of the 777s will only get faster as the airline receives more.
JAL’s 777-300ERs feature the JAL Suite for its First Class seats, and JAL Sky Suite I (Apex Suites) for business class. I’m a fan of the Apex Suites, as I’ve especially enjoyed the window seats on them, as they offer ample privacy. Each seat also has direct aisle access thanks to the staggering of the seats. You can still find them on their 787 aircraft.
There’s no denying that the 777 seats are past their prime though. The new A350 features fantastic seats in all cabins with modern amenities and features. The IFE system is also a much-needed improvement over the current ones on the 777.
I’ve spent a lot of time on JAL’s 777s over the past couple of decades, so it’ll be sad to see them go. Although this is still the second 77W to head to retirement, there definitely isn’t much time left for the rest of them. With that said, the new A350s are a world of a difference both in terms of onboard comfort for passengers and operations for the airline.
Featured image by Nattanon Tavonthammarit, Shutterstock.
