Japan Airlines released its new schedule for FY2026 on Thursday, which runs from April 2026 to March 2027. There are several changes, some of which may affect award travel availability and scheduling.
Here are the most notable changes:
Tokyo (HND) – Helsinki (HEL)
The carrier is increasing flights between Tokyo (HND) and Helsinki (HEL) from 3x a week to 5x a week. Additionally, this route will operate daily in June 2026, during the busier summer break season.
This route will be operated by a mix of Boeing 777-300ERs and Boeing 787-8s.
Tokyo (HND) – Chicago (ORD)
Flight JL9 from Chicago to Tokyo Haneda will switch to a daytime departure. The new schedule is the following:
- Chicago (ORD) 14:30 departure, Tokyo Haneda (HND) 17:30 arrival
Flights JL9/JL10 will continue to be operated by the Boeing 777-300ER. Flights JL55 and JL56 to Tokyo Narita (NRT) will switch to the Boeing 787-8 under the new schedule, reducing the number of premium seats significantly.
Tokyo (HND) – Paris (CDG)
This route, flights JL45 and JL46, is currently operated daily by the airline’s new Airbus A350-1000. Under the new schedule, these flights will be operated by the Boeing 777-300ER every other day in addition to the A350.
The schedule remains the same.
Tokyo (HND) – Honolulu (HNL)
Japan Airlines is adding First Class between Tokyo and Honolulu on peak travel dates in December 2026 and January 2027 with its Boeing 777-300ER.
Flight JL72 will be operated by the 777 every day between Dec. 25, 2026, and Jan. 10, 2027. The return flight for the 777 will alternate between flights JL71 and JL73 during those dates.
Additionally, the airline will add further capacity between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Honolulu (HNL) between April 24, 2026, and May 9, 2025, and on Dec. 11, 2026, and Dec. 15, 2026. These flights will be operated by the Boeing 787-8.
How Does This Affect Award Travel?
Fortunately, there aren’t any huge changes, especially given that JAL is currently down an A350-1000 and has been reducing frequencies with the aircraft across the board. At the same time, there aren’t a whole lot of new exciting additions.
The biggest change to take note of is the change of flights JL45 and JL46 between Tokyo (HND) and Paris (CDG), where the airline’s new A350-1000 will begin flying every other day instead of daily. The Boeing 777-300ER will take its place on days when the A350 doesn’t fly.
Those who booked, or were considering booking this route for the A350, may want to double-check the new schedule and configuration. Although the Boeing 777-300ER is still a solid option for the long flight, they are without a doubt past its prime compared to the A350’s newest interiors.
JAL’s Tokyo – Chicago route will see a significant reduction in seating with the switch from the Boeing 777-300ER to the Boeing 787-8 for flights JL55 and JL56. This means eight fewer First Class, 19 fewer Business Class, and 40 fewer Premium Economy seats.
With that said, the airline’s Chicago route typically has less premium demand compared to its other U.S. routes (hence why the A350-1000 hasn’t been deployed on the route yet). This change is more of a response to the demand for a pair of flights that only began in May 2025.
Finally, the increase in capacity between Tokyo and Helsinki should be a welcome addition. Whether you’re looking to book business or economy, it’s best to have more options and seats available during peak seasons.
All photos taken by the author.
