JAL plans revised Route and Fleet Plan for 2005

In its route and fleet plan for fiscal year 2005, the JAL Group plans to implement various countermeasures to higher fuel costs in order to improve its budget.

On international routes, JAL is increasing flights on its Russia routes, and in support of the Visit Japan Campaign is boosting Korea and Taiwan routes by introducing more flights and larger aircraft. JAL also intends to increase its China network. The plan includes further introduction of the fuel-efficient B767-300ER, B777-200ER and inauguration of the B777-300ER on long haul routes and the phasing out of the DC-10 from scheduled service. JAL will introduce the new B777-300ER on long haul flights to Europe equipped with the JAL NEW SKYSLEEPER SOLO seat in first class and the Shell flat seat in business class.

As for domestic routes, to further strengthen the airlines competitiveness over rival carriers, JAL will take steps to maintain and upgrade its network in Japan. The plan takes into account the opening of Kobe Airport (Feb 2006) and Chubu Airport, Nagoya, (Feb 2005). While all JAL international and domestic flights operations now operating at Nagoya’s Komaki Airport will move to Chubu when it opens but commuter flights by subsidiary J-Air will be operated at Komaki in response to an expected rise in demand.

JAL will also expand operations of its domestic subsidiary JAL Express by the transfer of four MD-81 aircraft to that airline.

On the cargo front, JAL plans to increase flights and rearrange routes to the U.S. and China, for more efficient operation of the freighter fleet during periods of strong demand. Changes are subject to government approval.

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