Japan Airlines takes delivery of latest Boeing 777-300ER

Japan Airlines will start operations from July 1st with its first Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplane, the newest member of the Boeing 777 family.

JAL's first 777-300ER is the 28th 777 delivered to the airline.

JAL's first commercial flight with the new aircraft will be between Tokyo's Narita Airport and Singapore (JL719). The new aircraft carries the logo-mark of the government-backed ''Visit Japan Campaign'', aimed at attracting more overseas visitors to Japan.

Today, JAL - a launch customer for the new Boeing - took delivery in Seattle of the airplane, the first of eight of the twin-engine aircraft ordered by the airline in 2000 for delivery by 2008. JAL also has options on a further two aircraft. The new airliner will be used as a 747 replacement and is capable of flying major long-haul nonstop routes such as Tokyo-New York and Tokyo-Rome.

The 777-300ER is equipped with General Electric GE90-115B turbofan engines, a higher thrust version of the GE90 engine introduced first in November 1995 and currently the world's largest and most powerful commercial jet power plant. The new environment-friendly aircraft features lower noise levels and improved fuel consumption, (20% lower than the 747-400), with the reliability to operate long-range flights.

JAL will operate the 777-300ER in a three-class cabin configuration of first, business and economy classes, with a total of 292 seats - nine in first class, 63 in business class and 220 economy class seats.

First class service will feature the award-winning JAL New Skysleeper Solo seat. JAL's own-brand business class, 'JAL Executive Class - Seasons', will be fitted with the highly acclaimed fully reclining 'JAL Shell Flat Seat'. All seats in economy class are equipped with individual video screens and the in-flight entertainment system (JAL MAGIC III) features video on demand in all classes.