JAL Upgrades JL5/6 to 777-300ER in August

[Iberia A340-600]

Starting on August 1st JAL will be upgrading one of their daily flights, JL5/6, to a 777-300ER from a 747-400.

The ETA is 11:30am and the ETD is 1:30pm.

[Delta777LR]

Thats cool to hear Gordon!!! Ill be looking forward to catching that out at JFK!! Thanks for the Info

[JZ1]

The new JL 777-300 have 4 classes -- first, biz, premium economy and economy. The new premium economy was introduced in Dec 07 and currently only available between NRT to FRA and LHR. It has 2x4x2 seating, , hard shell seat back and 38 in. pitch. Passengers in premium economy can used the Sakura Lounge, too.

[Speedbird1]

For me this is sad news, I have watched the JAL B747 for years departing for Tokyo over my house in Brooklyn. The distinctive B747 shape was unmistakeable. The new B773 looks like a long cigar with a tail and is not distinctive. To me the new aircraft is a downgrade, not an upgrade. Now, JFK passengers will have no B744 to Tokyo as ANA also stopped flying their B744s. I am certain that flying the B773 is cheaper for JAL than flying the prestigious B744. My question is how much cheaper is it to fly the 7000- mile trip to Japan? How much will JAL save? Jet fuel is very expensive. This must be the reason why so many airlines are switching from B744s to B773's.

[RDU-JFK]

For me this is sad news, I have watched the JAL B747 for years departing for Tokyo over my house in Brooklyn. The distinctive B747 shape was unmistakeable. The new B773 looks like a long cigar with a tail and is not distinctive. To me the new aircraft is a downgrade, not an upgrade. Now, JFK passengers will have no B744 to Tokyo as ANA also stopped flying their B744s. I am certain that flying the B773 is cheaper for JAL than flying the prestigious B744. My question is how much cheaper is it to fly the 7000- mile trip to Japan? How much will JAL save? Jet fuel is very expensive. This must be the reason why so many airlines are switching from B744s to B773's.

I agree--there's something about a 747-400...at least Korean Air still flies the 744 twice daily!

[Speedbird1]

Thanks for your support. The distinctive light blue Korean Air B744 was easily seen by me several months ago while I was strolling Central Park. It was inbound for JFK going to JFK passing over the Hudson at about 12000'. Had it been the B773, I doubt if I'd have even noticed it. I fear that KAL will soon join-up and fly the B773 into JFK, too. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the B773, I know it's more fuel-efficient and economical but as a plane spotter, I prefer the B744 (Queen of the Skies).

[JZ1]

Don't be sad, we still have plenty of 744s in JFK -- BA, CI, QF, VS...

[lijk604]

Don't be sad, we still have plenty of 744s in JFK -- BA, CI, QF, VS...

Very true, but the number is dwindling. I have a feeling it won't be long before BA switches to 777's. As for VS, if they are "going green" (please shoot me) you'll see A343/346's & 787's (when delivered) on the JFK route.

[Ari707]

BA may not make the switch for a while after the crash they claimed they were holding back expantion plans due to the lack of planes....