Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines opened its doors on the 1st of August 1951 with an initial capital of ¥100 million. The government recognized a need for reliable air transportation to help Japan recover after World War II. Between the 27th and the 29th of August, the airline operated invitational flights using a Douglas DC-3 Kinsei leased from Philippine Airlines. On the 25th of October, Japan's first post-war domestic service began with a Martin 2-0-2 aircraft named Mokusei. Crew members were leased from Northwest Orient Airlines subsidiary TALOA. By 1953, the network extended northward to Sapporo and Misawa while reaching west to Nagoya, Osaka, Iwakuni, and Fukuoka. The National Diet passed legislation creating a new state-owned entity on the 1st of August 1953 which assumed all assets and liabilities of its private predecessor. This new Japan Airlines became the national carrier effective the 1st of October 1953. International operations started on the 2nd of February 1954 when eighteen passengers flew from Tokyo to San Francisco via Wake Island and Honolulu aboard a Douglas DC-6B City of Tokyo. These early routes were advertised as being operated by American crews and serviced by United Airlines in San Francisco. The airline continued expanding through the 1950s adding Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore to its destinations.
The Tsurumaru logo created in 1958 by Jerry Huff represents a Japanese red-crown crane with wings extended in full flight. Huff drew inspiration from personal crests found in We Japanese book showing pages of samurai family crests including the crane symbolizing loyalty and strength. The airline used several logos before adopting this design when arranging purchase of new Douglas DC-8s for worldwide jet service inauguration. Tsurumaru remained in use until 2002 replaced by Arc of the Sun livery featuring rising sun motif on creamy parchment background. Following corporate restructuring, Japan Airlines returned to classic tsurumaru logo starting the 1st of April 2011. Last remaining aircraft carrying Arc of the Sun livery retired in January 2016. Special liveries include World Cup soccer design on Boeing 747 JA8908 in 2002 plus Matsui Jet featuring Hideki Matsui on JA8907 in 2003. Expo 2005 aircraft was Boeing 767-300 JA8253 while others carried Yokoso Japan campaign supporting Visit Japan initiative. Late 2005 saw Boeing 777 JA8941 painted with actor Shingo Katori on one side and Saiyuki character Goku on opposite side. JAL serves as official airline of Tokyo Disney Resort sponsoring Star Jets attraction featuring current livery variations. Eco Jet repainted Boeing 777-200 JA8984 in 2008 and Boeing 777-300ER JA731J in 2009 highlighted environmental reduction efforts with green arc replacing red tail marking.
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Common questions
When did Japan Airlines open its doors with an initial capital of 100 million yen?
Japan Airlines opened its doors on the 1st of August 1951 with an initial capital of 100 million yen. The government recognized a need for reliable air transportation to help Japan recover after World War II.
What date did international operations start for Japan Airlines and which aircraft was used?
International operations started on the 2nd of February 1954 when eighteen passengers flew from Tokyo to San Francisco via Wake Island and Honolulu aboard a Douglas DC-6B City of Tokyo. These early routes were advertised as being operated by American crews and serviced by United Airlines in San Francisco.
Who created the Tsurumaru logo for Japan Airlines and what does it symbolize?
The Tsurumaru logo created in 1958 by Jerry Huff represents a Japanese red-crown crane with wings extended in full flight. Huff drew inspiration from personal crests found in We Japanese book showing pages of samurai family crests including the crane symbolizing loyalty and strength.
On what date did Japan Airlines return to the classic Tsurumaru logo following corporate restructuring?
Following corporate restructuring, Japan Airlines returned to classic tsurumaru logo starting the 1st of April 2011. Last remaining aircraft carrying Arc of the Sun livery retired in January 2016.
Which Boeing 777 model carried the Eco Jet repainted design for environmental reduction efforts in 2008?
Eco Jet repainted Boeing 777-200 JA8984 in 2008 and Boeing 777-300ER JA731J in 2009 highlighted environmental reduction efforts with green arc replacing red tail marking. JAL serves as official airline of Tokyo Disney Resort sponsoring Star Jets attraction featuring current livery variations.