ANA originally planned to launch flights between Tokyo-Narita and Seattle using its new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners in the second half of 2012.
But the Tokyo-based airline announced this week that the launch will be accelerated to July 25th in order to capitalize demand during the busy summer season.
Rather than the 787, of which ANA currently operates six copies, the airline will launch the new daily service using the larger 777-300ER aircraft. A switch to the smaller but more fuel-efficient 787 will come “during the course of the fiscal year,” the airline says.
ANA’s 777-300ERs are outfitted with 247 seats: 85 in Business Class and 162 in Economy Class. The 787-8 only has 158 seats: 46 in Business Class and 112 in Economy.
Seattle is still on target to become the second US city to receive 787 service. Boston became the first this past Sunday when Japan Airlines, ANA’s foremost competitor, launched 787-operated flights between Tokyo and Beantown.
ANA also plans on launching service to San Jose, Calif., using the 787 later this year.
Seattle will become ANA’s ninth US city.
Schedule
Flight 1078 Departs Tokyo 5:25 pm – Arrives Seattle 10:55 AM
Flight 1077 Departs Seattle 1:15 pm – Arrives Tokyo 3:45 pm (next day)
