Category Archives: Japan Airlines-JAL

Photo: JAL-Japan Airlines Airbus A350-941 JA13XJ (msn 538) HND (Michael B. Ing). Image: 962186.

JAL-Japan Airlines Airbus A350-941 JA13XJ (msn 538) HND (Michael B. Ing). Image: 962186.

Flight JL516 from Sapporo to Tokyo Haneda on January 2, 2024 with the pictured Airbus A350-941 JA13XJ landed at HND but collided with Japanese Coast Guard DHC-8-300 JA722A and burst into flames. 367 passengers and 12 crew members on the A350 were able to safely evacuate the burning aircraft. 5 of the 6 crew members on the Coast Guard aircraft died (WO).

Japan Airlines issued this statement:

On January 2, 2024, Japan Airlines flight JL516 (departing from New Chitose Airport and arriving at Haneda Airport) collided with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft at Haneda Airport after landing and both aircraft caught fire. Deepest condolences are extended to the deceased officials of the Japan Coast Guard. Confirmation has been received that all JAL passengers and crew on the flight have safely evacuated.

Sincere apologies are offered for the considerable concerns and inconveniences caused to our customers, their families, and everyone involved. Full cooperation will be provided in the investigation of the incident.

Details:
Date and Time: January 2, 2024 (Tuesday) around 17:47 (JST)
Location: Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), Runway C
Flight Number: JL516
Departure: New Chitose Airport – Scheduled departure time: 15:50 – Actual departure time: 16:15
Arrival: Haneda Airport – Scheduled arrival time: 17:35 – Actual arrival time: 17:47
Number of Passengers: 359 adults + 8 infants = 367 in total
Number of Crew: 3 cockpit crew members + 9 cabin crew members = 12 in total
Passenger Situation: 1 person with bruising, 13 people requested medical consultation due to physical discomfort
Aircraft Type and Registration: Airbus A350-900, Registration Number JA13XJ
Aircraft Condition: Total loss

Summary:
After departing from New Chitose Airport at 16:15 on January 2, the aircraft flew smoothly (*1), and after landing at Haneda Airport Runway C at 17:47 (*2), the aircraft collided with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft and caught fire. All passengers and crew members on our flight successfully performed an emergency evacuation (*3). Support is being provided to each passenger in terms of their condition and assistance for their return home.
(*1) The aircraft did not experience any issues or irregularities during its departure from New Chitose Airport or throughout the flight.
(*2) According to interviews with the operating crew, they acknowledged and repeated the landing permission from air traffic control, and then proceeded with the approach and landing procedures.
(*3) The aircraft’s announcement system malfunctioned during the evacuation, so cabin crew members conducted instructions using a megaphone and their voices. Cabin crew members determined safe exits for evacuation, and all passengers and crew members evacuated through three emergency exits.

Currently, detailed information and the cause of the accident are under investigation, and full cooperation with the investigation will be provided.

Top Copyright Photo: JAL-Japan Airlines Airbus A350-941 JA13XJ (msn 538) HND (Michael B. Ing). Image: 962186.

JAL aircraft photo gallery:

JAL to introduce its first freighter in 13 years under new business model

JAL has decided to introduce three Boeing 767-300ER freighters (dedicated cargo aircraft). This will be the first time in 13 years that JAL will operate its own freighter, and operations will begin sequentially from the end of fiscal year 2023.

JAL has been securing revenues reliably and efficiently in the air cargo business, where demand fluctuates widely, through flexible business operations by using cargo space on passenger flights and chartering other companies’ freighters in response to demand. However, with plans for further growth in the cargo and mail business, the company decided to operate its own freighters.


With the introduction of the Freighter, a new business model will be established to ensure stable and growing demand. In addition, we will strengthen our air transportation capabilities to meet the logistics needs arising from the “2024 issue*” and contribute to solving social issues based on logistics.  

* Shortage of truck drivers in Japan due to revision of labor regulation.

Characteristic #1: Capturing stable demand through a new business model

To capture domestic and international e-commerce, parcel delivery, and other high growth cargo, we will build alliances with logistics partners and operate routes that ensure stable demand. In addition, we will ensure that domestic air transportation plays a growing role in response to the “2024 issue” and limit business risks caused by fluctuations in demand and market conditions.

Characteristic #2: Improve aircraft utilization ratio and ensure profitability through hybrid operation of international and domestic routes

From fiscal 2023, we will begin operating international flights mainly to East Asia, and in the future operate domestic flights to improve aircraft utilization while maximizing the cargo loading ratio. Furthermore, we will respond to customers’ needs by flexibly offering charter and non-scheduled flights. 

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JAL will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of society through further growth of the cargo and mail business.