Japan Airlines (JAL) marks a historic moment with the launch of its first-ever nonstop service to the Middle East.
The carrier inaugurated a service connecting Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) with Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) on 1 April.
This development furthers JAL’s expansion into the region and strengthens its global network.
First Middle Eastern Service
The inaugural flight, JL059, took off from HND with a nearly full Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft received a warm welcome upon landing at DOH, complete with a water cannon salute and a celebratory ceremony co-hosted by Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways, and JAL officials.
The service operates as a codeshare with Qatar Airways, a fellow member of the oneworld® alliance. This partnership allows seamless connections to destinations across Europe, Africa, and South America via Doha.
JAL’s Managing Executive Officer, Route Marketing Senior Vice President, Ross Leggett, expressed his enthusiasm.
He highlighted the significance of this direct connection, stating, “Our new Doha service bridges the gap between the Middle East and Asia.”
“Passengers can now enjoy seamless travel to Europe, Africa, and South America through our partnership with Qatar Airways.”
He further emphasized the growing demand for travel between Doha and Asia, and JAL’s commitment to providing exceptional service to an even wider audience.
Bridging Qatar and Japan
Sujata Suri, Senior Vice President of Finance and Procurement at Hamad International Airport, echoed the positive sentiment.
She emphasized the importance of this collaboration between Qatar and Japan, and how it will significantly increase flight frequency between the two regions.
This growth also furthers Hamad International Airport’s dedication to enhancing global travel experiences.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, also expressed his delight at welcoming JAL as a partner. He anticipates a fruitful collaboration that will benefit travelers flying between North Asia and Japan.
He further emphasized the success of Hamad International Airport’s strategy as a global hub, attracting more airlines and fostering international connections.
JAL Dreamliner
Passengers on the daily DOH-HND service can expect a luxurious travel experience. JAL’s JAL SKY SUITE 787 aircraft offers a two-class configuration.
JAL Business Class features 52 award-winning JAL SKY SUITE Ⅲ fully-flat seats, while JAL Economy Class boasts 151 industry-recognized JAL SKY WIDER seats.
Passengers can enjoy JAL’s latest inflight entertainment system, Magic-VI, with touchscreen monitors at every seat, along with the option of purchasing inflight Wi-Fi.
This launch marks a new chapter for JAL, fostering cultural exchange and seamless travel between Japan and the Middle East.
About Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan’s first private aviation company, was established in 1951 and is a member of the oneworld® Alliance.
The airline operates a fleet of 226 aircraft and began renewing its international long-haul aircraft with the Airbus A350-1000 starting 2023 Winter Schedule.
Together with other JAL Group and partner airlines, JAL offers an extensive domestic and international network that serves 376 airports across 64 countries/regions.
The airline has received numerous accolades for its exceptional service, including being recognized as a certified 5-Star Airline by Skytrax. It has also been awarded the prestigious “World Class” Airline title by APEX, the Airline Passenger Experience Association.
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