Japan Airlines (JAL) is bidding farewell to a key figure in its international fleet—the very first Boeing 777-300ER it introduced more than two decades ago. The aircraft, designated JA731J, flew its final commercial route on May 26, 2025, marking the end of an era. Its last journey took passengers from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND), symbolizing a significant moment in JAL’s transition toward a modernized, eco-friendly fleet.
JA731J holds a special place in the history of Japan Airlines, having joined the fleet in June 2004. Its inaugural flight connected Tokyo Narita Airport to Singapore, kicking off a new chapter for the airline’s long-haul capabilities. Over the next 20 years, this aircraft played a pivotal role in establishing JAL’s presence on major global routes such as New York, London, and Los Angeles.
This model was crucial in replacing the aging Boeing 747-400s, which had been the backbone of JAL’s fleet for years. Praised for its impressive range, fuel efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort, the 777-300ER became synonymous with reliability and innovation. JA731J, as the first of its type for JAL, was a flagship example of this evolution.
The last commercial flight for JA731J was flight JL015. It departed Los Angeles in the early afternoon and touched down in Tokyo the next day, after an approximately 11-hour journey. The Los Angeles–Tokyo Haneda route has long been a staple in JAL’s transpacific operations, showcasing the aircraft’s capabilities and serving thousands of travelers annually.
Following its final flight, the plane will enter a period of retirement maintenance, during which it will be prepared for storage or other future uses, marking the completion of its operational lifecycle with the airline.
As JA731J exits the skies, Japan Airlines is accelerating its adoption of the Airbus A350-1000 to replace the 777-300ER fleet gradually. The A350-1000 brings several advantages, including superior fuel efficiency and a quieter, more comfortable cabin environment. These improvements align with global aviation trends that prioritize sustainability and passenger wellbeing.
The aircraft features a modern four-class seating arrangement, offering six luxurious First Class suites, 54 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 155 Economy seats. This configuration caters to a wide variety of traveler preferences while maintaining operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
The retirement of JA731J follows the earlier phase-out of the Boeing 777-300ER on the Tokyo Haneda to London Heathrow route. This significant fleet change took place on January 2, 2025, when the route transitioned to the Airbus A350-1000, further emphasizing JAL’s commitment to modernizing its international services.
This shift demonstrated JAL’s focus on improving fuel consumption, cutting emissions, and providing passengers with upgraded travel comfort, helping maintain competitiveness on one of the airline’s key European routes.
Between 2004 and the subsequent years, Japan Airlines incorporated 13 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft into its fleet. These jets were instrumental in expanding and sustaining JAL’s international reach, connecting Asia with North America and Europe effectively.
JA731J’s retirement and the ongoing gradual replacement of the 777-300ER series reflect JAL’s long-term vision to embrace newer technologies that prioritize environmental sustainability without compromising on quality.
Japan Airlines’ fleet renewal is part of a broader industry-wide shift toward more sustainable aviation. The Airbus A350-1000 stands out as a benchmark for eco-friendly aircraft, offering reduced fuel consumption and emissions. By adopting this technology, JAL aims to minimize its environmental footprint while delivering enhanced experiences for passengers.
Modernizing the fleet also enables JAL to remain competitive on high-traffic routes by lowering operational costs and offering state-of-the-art in-flight services, positioning the airline for future growth and sustainability.
The retirement of Japan Airlines’ first Boeing 777-300ER after more than 20 years marks a defining moment in its aviation history. The aircraft’s final journey from Los Angeles to Tokyo Haneda encapsulates two decades of operational excellence and service evolution. Transitioning to the Airbus A350-1000 symbolizes JAL’s commitment to sustainable progress and exceptional travel experiences, setting the course for the airline’s future on the global stage.
