The best airlines for business class...

The Business Travel Index from Tipalti has analyzed factors such as service, lounge facilities, seat comfort and inflight entertainment, to reveal the airlines to travel on in business class. 

The top 10 best airlines for those travelling business class: 

Rank	Airline	Average Lounge Score	Average Seat Score	Average Inflight Score	Overall Score
1	Oman Air	4	5	3.5	8.39
2	Cathay Pacific Airways	4	4.8	3.75	8.28
3	EVA Air	4	4.6	4	7.93
4	Qatar Airways	4	4.2	4	7.7
5	Vistara	3.75	4.6	4	7.47
6	Japan Airlines	3.8	4	4	7.24
7	Asiana Airlines	4	2.8	3.75	6.09
8	Kenya Airways	4	4.8	2.75	6.09
9	Qantas Airways	3.8	3.8	3.25	5.98
10	Singapore Airlines	3.4	3	4	5.75

Topping the list of best business-class airlines is Oman Air, with an overall score of 8.39. The airline is based at Muscat International Airport and travels to over 50 destinations, including the likes of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. 

Oman Air scores 5/5 across the board when it comes to its aircraft’s business-class seats, making it the highest-scoring airline in this category. It also receives 4/5 in areas such as staff service (both inflight and in the lounge), inflight entertainment, and lounge catering.

Following closely behind is Cathay Pacific Airways, which receives an overall score of 8.28. It is the largest airline in Hong Kong, with its head office located at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline provides flights to over 60 destinations, such as Seoul, Dubai, and Johannesburg.

Cathay Pacific Airways scores 4/5 for the comfort of its seats (both sitting and sleeping), as well as for their width and length, meaning those travelling long haul can rest comfortably. The airline also scores highly for its catering options in lounges, which include The Teahouse in the Pier Business lounge and Noodle Bar in the Wing Business lounge, both located at Hong Kong International Airport.

In third place is EVA Air, with an overall score of 7.93. It is one of the two largest airlines in Taiwan and has hubs in both Taoyuan International Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport. The airline flies to 30 different countries, including Thailand, Japan, and China.

EVA Air scores no less than 4/5 across all three categories, receiving 4 for both its lounges and inflight services and 4.6 for its seats. The airline scores 5/5 for the sitting comfort, width, and length of its seats, meaning that anyone choosing to travel with EVA Air is guaranteed to have a comfortable and relaxing experience when travelling long distances.

Ultimate Business Travel Index | Tipalti

Typhoon Lan makes landfall in Japan and hundreds of flights cancelled

Over 850 flights have been cancelled in Japan with at least 240,000 people ordered to move to safety as a slow-moving typhoon crossed Japan's main island of Honshu.  The storm has also cut off power to thousands of homes and businesses.

Typhoon Lan made landfall early on Tuesday at the southern tip of Wakayama prefecture, Reuters reported, which is around 250 miles southwest of Tokyo. The typhoon cut a wide swathe through central and western Japan as it moved north with strong winds and heavy rain. 

Local authorities have set up evacuation centres in safe buildings and high ground for residents across 11 prefectures that the Fire and Disaster Management Agency had told to seek shelter.

Japan Airlines advised that changes and refunds due to cancellations and delays as a result of Typhoon Lan will be issued without charge. It also advised passengers to check flight status before making arrangements to go to the airports. Most services appear to be returning to normal schedule tomorrow. 

Japan Airlines launches shared clothing trial.......

Trial of Any Wear, Anywhere Clothing Share Service for Overseas Visitors

Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation have launched a really different and interesting trial of the "Any Wear, Anywhere" which is a clothing-sharing service!  The deal is especially for foreign tourists and business travellers to Japan who use JAL-operated flights and will measure the environmental value of using the Service.

The airline said in a statement that with more and more people flying again after the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the recent emphasis in sustainability, there is a growing movement around the world to promote sustainable tourism. Travelers increasingly desire to make more sustainable choices regarding their travel destinations, accommodations, transportation etc., they still lack sufficient options. For example, most travellers now enjoy eating at restaurants and staying at hotels at their destination, but they generally bring their own clothing from home.

The concept of the Service is therefore to provide a travel experience with minimal luggage by offering clothing rentals at the destination, thereby creating environmental value. By expanding the use of the Service, we aim to create an environment where travellers can use local options for all aspects of their clothing, food, and accommodation, transforming travel and business trips into more sustainable experiences. In providing the Service, Sumitomo Corporation will be responsible for developing the reservation system as well as for the procurement, laundering, and delivery of clothes. All clothing items available for rent will be obtained from excess stock of apparel and pre-owned clothing, thereby promoting the concept of a circular economy. JAL will monitor changes in passengers' checked-in baggage weight and verify the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions by reduced aeroplane weight due to the use of the Service.

Intelsat to deliver 2Ku connectivity upgrade to Japan Airlines

Intelsat, the operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network and leading provider of Inflight Connectivity (IFC) services, has reached an agreement with long-time customer Japan Airlines (JAL) to upgrade about 50 Boeing 737s and 767s to the company’s 2Ku inflight connectivity solution.

“We value the trust that JAL has placed in Intelsat throughout our 10-year relationship,” said Dave Bijur, senior vice president of Commercial for Intelsat Commercial Aviation. “JAL was Intelsat’s first non-U.S. commercial aviation customer, and we look forward to continuing to support JAL’s market-leading inflight connectivity service in Japan where their guests enjoy free service.”

In addition to the fleet of Boeing 737s and 767s, JAL’s subsidiary airline, J-AIR Co. Ltd. is currently installing Intelsat’s 2Ku system on the carrier’s fleet of Embraer E190 aircraft. As recently announced, J-AIR will complete the installation of the 2Ku system on 14 E190s by the end of 2024. When completed, J-AIR will be the first regional airline in Japan to offer inflight entertainment and connectivity services.

Wisk Aero and Japan Airlines working together to bring autonomous everyday flight to Japan

Wisk Aero, an advanced air mobility company and Japan Airlines are working together to bring Wisk’s self-flying, all-electric air taxi services to Japan. The two firms will also work together on plans for the maintenance and operation of Wisk’s autonomous air taxis.

“We are excited to be partnering with Japan Airlines, a highly-respected leader in aviation both in Japan and globally,” says Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. “Wisk and Japan Airlines share a commitment to safe, accessible transportation and to ensuring that our services provide long-term benefits to the communities that we serve. We look forward to working together to bring autonomous everyday flight to Japan and to further advancing Advanced Air Mobility in the broader APAC region.”

“We are very honoured to partner with Wisk, a pioneer in autonomous eVTOL aircraft development. In Japan, the introduction of autonomous air travel is developing and we strongly feel that this partnership with Wisk is the first step towards the development of the next generation of safe air mobility in Japan,” says Ryo Tamura, CEO of JALEC.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed that establishes a framework for collaboration between the two companies, as well as between the two companies and the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), and other relevant Japanese Government agencies. This will include careful consideration of regulatory requirements, safety measures, and how the community can benefit from advanced air mobility through the use of Wisk’s 6th Generation self-flying, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Specifically, the MOU establishes a framework for:

Research towards launching fleet operations for Wisk’s 6th Generation taxi, including:

Type certification approval in Japan

Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul requirements

Supporting discussion with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and relevant Japanese Government agencies, as appropriate, on the establishment of a Wisk operation under an Air Operators Certificate in Japan in the future

Development of a path to a demonstration flight in Japan

Introduction of autonomous aircraft into the Japanese national airspace system

“We are thrilled to be announcing this new partnership with Japan Airlines, a partner that so closely shares our values,” says Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s APAC Regional Director. “Japan represents a large, densely populated market where air taxi services can provide a real, positive impact for local communities. We look forward to further pursuing the potential introduction of our self-flying, all-electric air taxis in Japan, and are encouraged by the growing interest within the broader APAC region for these types of services.”

Japan Airlines and Wisk share a commitment to safety, sustainability, and responsibility. This partnership represents the joining of these shared values to develop an enduring approach to the introduction of future autonomous air taxi operations that are part of the future integrated transportation layer in Japan.

Japan Airlines announces firm order for 21 Boeing 737- MAX - 8 aircraft

Japan Airlines has agreed on a new deal for 21 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft as part of a fleet renewal programme. 

Yuji Akasaka, president of Japan Airlines deliberately tried to obfuscate the public knowledge of the actual aircraft ordered by using the aircraft's technical type of 737-8 in statements and not the more widely known 737 MAX 8 name.  The aircraft ordered are identical to the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines aircraft that crashed killing all onboard due to the flawed aerodynamics and safety software 

Yuji Akasaka said:  "We are delighted to select the Boeing 737-8, a member of the very latest 737 MAX family, to replace our Boeing 737-800s, which make up the largest proportion of the JAL Group's fleet. We look forward to carrying our passengers in the utmost safety and comfort and to moving closer to our 2050 carbon-neutral goals, thanks to a combination of these super-efficient aircraft, operational innovations and new fuel-saving technologies."

Japan Airlines awards 5-year extension to CHAMP

Japan Airlines awards 5-year extension to CHAMP

 

 

                        Japan Airlines (JAL) and CHAMP Cargosystems have extended their highly successful partnership for a further five years.

The carrier has been using CHAMP's acclaimed Cargospot solution to manage its day-to-day cargo business processes since 2014. Since then, JAL has partnered with CHAMP in a series of ground-breaking digital transformational projects built around the Cargospot ecosystem, including the launch of a cargo business platform that enables a fully digitalized end-to-end process across the airline's domestic operation, and a unique API-based solution that allows the airline's customers to compare and book against multiple air-to-air and ground transportation options.

By extending their partnership with CHAMP, Cargospot will remain the IT keystone of JAL's cargo business, enabling the airline to take advantage of the solution as it continues to evolve for the benefit of CHAMP's large and growing customer community. JAL's operation of Cargospot will be supplemented and further enhanced by the airline's continuing use of CHAMP's ULD Manager and Traxon compliance services, which support pre-loading and pre-arrival declarations to customs and border protection authorities.

"The Cargospot ecosystem has vast potential for our growing customer community," says Nicholas Xenocostas, VP Commercial & Customer Engagement at CHAMP Cargosystems. "Our solutions have been and will continue to be at the core of Japan Airlines' cargo operations. Cargospot and CHAMP's other services continue to evolve in line with its emerging business needs and continue to be an integral part of our long-term digital transformation.

CHAMP is honoured to have Japan Airlines renew its confidence in our technologies and our people."

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

SkyCell and Japan Airlines partner to support the growing Japanese pharmaceutical shipment market

 SkyCell, the manufacturer of innovative hybrid pharmaceutical containers, has partnered with Japan Airlines Cargo (JAL Cargo), to meet the country's growing needs for vaccine and pharmaceutical transportation in a safe, secure, and sustainable way.

SkyCell is committed to working with JAL Cargo to offer a tailor-made solution that meets the airline's growing business needs across vaccine and pharmaceutical shipments. This partnership will also see SkyCell further strengthen its presence in Japan and continue to support the temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical market with its high-quality hybrid containers that have been industry accredited to have near-zero spoilage rates.

SkyCell’s GDP compliant hybrid containers - which maintain internal temperature stability across the pharmaceutical industry recognised temperature ranges, without the need for external intervention - are able to cover customers’ various needs. By using lightweight, environmentally friendly material, the technology enables efficiency and reusability. The Swiss-engineered hybrid features include shock-absorbent feet to mitigate any breakage during transport and has a double-door system to protect the packing against humidity. 

The partnership between SkyCell and JAL is a first step into a joint vision to determinedly, faithfully, and creatively increase the shipment quality of highly valuable and sensitive products.

Chiara Venuti, Business Development Director and Airline Partners, SkyCell, comments: “I see this partnership with JAL as a firm commitment from SkyCell to support the Japanese pharmaceutical market. We play a key role together in delivering life-saving medicine in the most safe, secure, and sustainable way to the patients in need. A great journey starts with small steps, and we look forward to working together with a common mission focused on ensuring patients get the life-saving medicines they need in a sustainable and secure way.”   

Hidehiko Umehara, Vice President, Business Promotion Department, JAL Cargo comments: “On the signing of a Master Lease Agreement, JAL and SkyCell will work in close cooperation and coordination to provide our customers with peace of mind when using SkyCell containers, which have a temperature excursion rate of less than 0.1% and are capable of maintaining the required temperature range at the highest levels, and do not need electric power.”

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Japan Airlines Selects Thomas Global’s Flight Displays for Boeing 767 Fleet Upgrade

Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed with Thomas Global Systems to equip the airline’s Boeing 767-300/300ER fleet with the TFD-7000 Series drop-in liquid crystal display (LCD) flight displays.

The JAL award follows TFD-7000 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

TFD-7000 Series displays provide a high-performance, cost-effective LCD retrofit that resolves critical issues around cathode ray tube (CRT) obsolescence, increases operational efficiency, and provides a growth platform for new functionality.

“We are honored that Japan Airlines has chosen our TFD-7000 Series to upgrade their 767 flight decks,” said Angus Hutchinson, CEO of Thomas Global. “We look forward to providing JAL with the dependable and high-integrity technology, service and support our customers and partners have come to expect from Thomas Global.”

TFD-7000 Series displays offer the only drop-in LCD solution available for Boeing 757/767 and 737 Classic aircraft. The TFD-7000 Series retrofit captures all the benefits of LCD technology in a proven solution with a growth platform for new functionality to support emerging airspace requirements, all while avoiding an extensive flight deck modification with its associated aircraft downtime and crew retraining costs.

The TFD-7076/7066 LCD solution replaces legacy Collins Aerospace EDU-776/766 CRT displays currently installed on Boeing 757, 767, and 737 Classic flight decks. The TFD-7076/7066 LCD displays are both interchangeable and intermixable with the existing legacy EDU-776/766 CRT displays, are installable on overnights or at the gate, and are fully compatible with the EFIP-701 and EAP-701/3 Boeing symbol generators. STC approvals have been received from FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, JCAB, ANAC and CAAC.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Japan Airlines goes live with IBS Software to Manage its International Cargo Operations

Japan Airlines (JAL) has gone live with IBS Software's iCargo Cargo Terminal Operation (CTO) for Japan solution (also known as NewJTO) using the platform to manage all aspects of its international air cargo operations. To meet JAL's needs for the unique Japanese air cargo market, IBS Software specially adapted iCargo to create its CTO for Japan solution – making iCargo the only non-Japanese system on the market that has full Japanese customs Nippon Automated Cargo And Port Consolidated System (NACCS) reporting capabilities directly within the product.

JAL is using iCargo CTO for Japan to replace multiple legacy systems and manage its entire operations process covering the import, export, transfers, warehouse operations and airports operations across JAL's domestic and international network. The iCargo CTO for Japan solution offers major efficiency improvements realized through digitalization and automation powered by mobility solutions while removing escalating costs in maintaining legacy systems and interfaces iCargo CTO for Japan also offers iOS/ Android supported handled operations, truck handling and docking management, auto-rack support, auto damage capture and additional advanced capabilities on top of core import, export and warehouse operations functions.

Japan Airlines retires all its 777 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney engines.....

Japan Airlines (JAL) has decided to bring forward the retirement of its fleet of Pratt & Whitney - P & W powered Boeing 777 aircraft, scheduled for March next year to now. The carrier made a short statement to advise the type is now retired and would not be returning to normal scheduled operations.

Over 25 years after JAL took delivery of its first Boeing 777 in 1996, the carrier has operated Pratt & Whitney (P&W) equipped Boeing 777-200 and 777-300.

In response to the incident involving an engine failure on JL904 on December 4, 2020, operating from Okinawa Naha to Tokyo Haneda airport, and the United Airlines incident involving an engine failure on February 20,2021, Japan Airlines has suspended the operations of Boeing 777 equipped with identical P&W manufactured engines. We will continue to fully cooperate and respond to the investigation by the Japan Transport Safety Board to determine the cause of the incident.

JAL has decided to accelerate the retirement of all P&W equipped Boeing 777 by March 2021, which is originally planned by March 2022. 

To address this issue, the carrier introduces state-of-the-art A350-900 with low noise and fuel-efficient engines to Osaka (Itami) routes, and put International aircraft on domestic routes, so that the carrier can maintain the frequency of flights.  "The flights scheduled to be operated by the same type of aircraft will be changed to the alternative aircraft in order. Due to the change in aircraft, your seat number may be changed without prior notice."  the airline said. 

The airline has also recently updated its international flying schedule from now until the end of September.  

Japan Airlines updates schedule, axes 777s and take part in COVID app trials.

Japan Airlines (JAL) has decided to bring forward the retirement of its fleet of Pratt & Whitney - P & W powered Boeing 777 aircraft, scheduled for March next year to now. The carrier made a short statement to advise the type is now retired and would not be returning to normal scheduled operations.

Over 25 years after JAL took delivery of its first Boeing 777 in 1996, the carrier has operated Pratt & Whitney (P&W) equipped Boeing 777-200 and 777-300.

In response to the incident involving an engine failure on JL904 on December 4, 2020, operating from Okinawa Naha to Tokyo Haneda airport, and the United Airlines incident involving an engine failure on February 20,2021, Japan Airlines has suspended the operations of Boeing 777 equipped with identical P&W manufactured engines. We will continue to fully cooperate and respond to the investigation by the Japan Transport Safety Board to determine the cause of the incident.

JAL has decided to accelerate the retirement of all P&W equipped Boeing 777 by March 2021, which is originally planned by March 2022. 

To address this issue, the carrier introduces state-of-the-art A350-900 with low noise and fuel-efficient engines to Osaka (Itami) routes, and put International aircraft on domestic routes, so that the carrier can maintain the frequency of flights.  "The flights scheduled to be operated by the same type of aircraft will be changed to the alternative aircraft in order. Due to the change in aircraft, your seat number may be changed without prior notice."  the airline said. 

The airline has also recently updated its international flying schedule from now until the end of September.  

JAL Successfully Operates a Commercial Flight Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel Produced in Japan

Japan Airlines (JAL), a recognized Eco-First company by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, reiterated its commitment to further preserve the environment by operating a commercial flight from Tokyo Haneda to Fukuoka airport using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The product was a blend of traditional jet kerosene and SAF produced in Japan.

In October 2018, JAL launched a project to convert cotton clothing into SAF, produced within the country of Japan. During the project, 50 local companies helped collect approximately 250,000 pieces of clothing and with the technical support from Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd. and using a bioprocess technology developed by the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE), a domestically produced SAF was successfully created in March 2020.

Details

Date: February 4, 2021

Flight Number: JL319

Route: Tokyo Haneda to Fukuoka (Departure 13:00)

Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 (JA849J)

Japan Airlines Selects IBS Software to Transform Cargo Terminal Operations

IBS Software, a worldwide leader of SaaS solutions to the aviation industry, has announced a contract with Japan Airlines (JAL) for the implementation of iCargo, a comprehensive cargo sales, inventory and reservations system that manages air cargo operations and movement globally and powered with business capabilities that are tailored for the unique Japanese Air Cargo market.

Japan Airlines and MIAT Mongolian Airlines agree on codeshare partnership

Japan Airlines and MIAT Mongolian Airlines Agree on Codeshare Partnership

Japan Airlines (JAL) and MIAT Mongolian Airlines (MIAT) have announced a codeshare agreement to expand both carrier’s international network between Mongolia and Japan. Reservations and ticket sales begin on March 24^th, for travel from March 31, 2020.

The agreement will allow Japan Airlines to offer flights between Ulaanbaatar and two major cities in Japan, Tokyo-Narita and Osaka-Kansai.

At the same time, MIAT will start offering flights beyond Narita to Osaka Itami and Nagoya Chubu, in addition to five international destinations, namely Singapore, Melbourne, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Busan. Operations of codeshare flights are subject to regulatory approvals.

Battur Davaakhuu, President and CEO of MIAT Mongolian Airlines, said: “We are delighted to develop and grow our relationship with Japan Airlines with this codeshare arrangement. Through this cooperation, we will be able to provide travel options for our customers as well as inviting more travelers to experience untapped nature of Mongolia. We look forward to share Mongolian hospitality further and provide an authentic Mongolian experience for our customers. MIAT is offering more seamless one-stop connectivity between Mongolia to several major cities in Japan, Singapore and Australia through the expansion of its codeshare arrangement with Japan Airlines. We will look forward to the day when we can move ahead once more with further expansion - for the benefit of people throughout in this region”

Royal Brunei Airlines and Japan Airlines strike codeshare deal

Royal Brunei Airlines, the national airline of Brunei Darussalam, and Japan Airlines (JAL) today announced a codeshare agreement that will allow JAL to offer four weekly flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Tokyo Narita.  Royal Brunei will place its code on flights to major cities in Japan, such as Sapporo New Chitose, Osaka Itami, Nagoya Chubu, and Fukuoka, offering greater options for RB guests.

Ticket sales will begin from February 14 on all channels and major GDS, for travels from February 17, 2020, subject to regulatory approvals.

**schedule effective March 1-28, 2020

Valentine's treat from Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines and LOTTE have announced a collaborated effort to hand out an originally designed LOTTE Ghana MILK CHOCOLATE on Valentine’s Day. This year, JAL and LOTTE will prepare two versions of the popular bite-size chocolate for passengers travelling on JAL operated domestic and international flights departing from Japan.

As a token of our appreciation to our mutual customers, JAL and LOTTE would like to present the exclusive chocolate to passengers in celebration of Valentine`s Day,

JAL Original - LOTTE Ghana MILK CHOCOLATE

Bite-size Ghana milk chocolates are a favorite across all age groups in Japan.

Applicable Flights – JAL Group operated domestic flights (excluding Japan Transocean Air / Ryukyu Air Commuter operated flights) and on international flights departing from Japan

Service Date – February 14, 2020 (Friday)

Service Method – Cabin crew will hand out the chocolate to passengers during the flight

For select Japan domestic flights, the chocolate will be handed out at the boarding gate

Due to operational reasons, please be advised that this service may not be available on select flights

Recommended for you...

Aeroflot and Japan Airlines agree on codeshare partnership

– Aeroflot – Russian Airlines and Japan Airlines today announced a codeshare agreement that will offer added flexibility to passengers travelling between Russia and Japan. The codeshare comes into effect from 29 March 2020, with ticket sales launching at the beginning of March.

Both airlines will operate daily services between Tokyo (HND) and Moscow (SVO) under the codeshare agreement, as well as on connecting flights to major cities in Russia and Japan, thereby expanding the range of options available to passengers. Japan Airlines will add its “JL” designator codes on 10 major Russian destinations such as St. Petersburg, Kazan and Yekaterinburg. Aeroflot will place its “SU” designator codes on 10 popular Japanese destinations such as Sapporo, Osaka and Fukuoka.

 Furthermore, both parties intend to increase codeshare destinations including Aeroflot’s new operation between Osaka(KIX) and Moscow(SVO) scheduled to commence June 2020.

Bumpy ride for passengers on Japan Airlines Commuter ATR42......

The end of Japan Air Commuter (JAC) flight JAC/3X3830 from Kikaijima to Amami was a rather bumpy affair when the ATR42-600 left the runway upon landing for 15 metres or so and got stuck in the mud.

The incident happened at around 1000 local time on Wednesday 8th  and there were 18 passengers and three crew on board at the time and according to reports, nobody was injured and all were able to leave the aircraft unaided.