Japan Airlines’ Flagship: The Airbus A350 1000 in Action

Japan Airlines (JAL) operates its largest aircraft—the long-range Airbus A350‑1000—on key international routes. Here’s what plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts should know:

Fleet Status: In Service & On Order

Mark Bess, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

• 9 A350‑1000s are currently in active service with JAL
• 13 aircraft are on firm order, with full delivery expected by 2028 after the retirement of the 777‑300ER fleet
• JAL expects to have 11 A350‑1000s by the end of its fiscal year on March 31, 2026

Routes Flying the A350‑1000 (2025)

Currently in service:

• Tokyo Haneda ↔ New York JFK: Two A350‑1000 rotations per day since January 2024
• Tokyo Haneda ↔ Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW): Daily service already in operation
• Tokyo Haneda ↔ London Heathrow (LHR): Since January 2025, all daily flights on this route now use the A350‑1000

Newer additions in 2025:

• Tokyo Haneda ↔ Paris CDG: A350‑1000 deployed every other day from May 1, 2025—after June 30, 2025, service becomes daily
• Tokyo Haneda ↔ Los Angeles LAX: Daily A350‑1000 flights begin June 30, 2025

Where to Spot JAL’s A350‑1000

• Tokyo Haneda (HND): Primary base—spotters can catch departures bound for New York, Dallas, London, Paris, and LA.
• JFK, DFW, LHR, CDG, LAX: Look for the distinctive A350‑1000 tail and sleek fuselage airside on arrivals and departures—especially early mornings and evenings in each destination city.

Summary Table

With 9 out of 13 A350‑1000s now flying, JAL is rapidly transitioning to this ultra-modern widebody. It’s not just about fleet renewal—this aircraft symbolizes JAL’s commitment to long-haul comfort and efficiency.

Title image: Melvin Loi, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons