Japan Airlines’ revolutionary 787 Dreamliner makes possible this historic transpacific route
SAN DIEGO – 2012-12-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — The wheels touched down and history was made, as Japan Airlines’ first nonstop flight from Tokyo to San Diego International Airport landed this morning. The inaugural flight—the first nonstop between San Diego and Asia—was welcomed by airline and airport staff, community leaders and excited passengers as it landed at Lindbergh Field. The occasion also marked the beginning of the airport’s first route on the all-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
“This historic new service connecting San Diego to Asia nonstop for the first time is being made possible by one of the world’s great carriers, Japan Airlines,” said Thella F. Bowens, President/CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, at the morning’s event. “We’re thrilled this service showcases one of the world’s most innovative and exciting new planes, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner—truly a dream aircraft for the San Diego market!”
Until this flight, San Diego was the largest city in the U.S. without nonstop service to Asia. Nearly half a million people traveled between Asia and San Diego each year but had to make connections in Los Angeles, San Francisco or other cities. Japan Airlines is utilizing the 787 Dreamliner, a lighter, more efficient aircraft that makes it possible to reach Asia from San Diego nonstop for the first time.
Efforts of San Diego business and community organizations were essential in obtaining the new service. “Over the past few years, our bureau has worked closely in partnership with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and others to expand the international service into our destination,” stated Joe Terzi, President & CEO of the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Key international markets like Japan represent an incredible opportunity for the continued growth of our region’s tourism industry, and this new Japan Airlines flight allows San Diego to become a stronger player in global tourism and business travel,” Terzi added.
San Diego Mayor-Elect Bob Filner also attended the inaugural event, saying, “The start of this momentous service marks a direct way for the citizens of San Diego to reach the great city of Tokyo and additional Asian points beyond. We’re grateful for this important global link and the economic benefits it will bring to our region.”
The flight will operate four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) until March 2, 2013, when it becomes a daily flight. Japan Airlines will utilize the 787 Dreamliner, with 42 business-class seats and 144 economy seats.
Flight Number JL065 AA 5907 – Departs San Diego (SAN) 11:30 a.m. – Arrives Narita (NRT) 4:30 p.m. (+1 day)
Flight Number JL066 AA 5906 – Departs Narita (NRT) 5:10 p.m. – Arrives San Diego (SAN) 9:45 a.m.
“Flying directly from San Diego International Airport, which is conveniently located in the heart of the city, offers transpacific travelers a long-anticipated, efficient and time-saving option,” said JAL President Yoshiharu Ueki. “JAL is delighted to also be a new member of the San Diego community, and to be the first to provide residents with a bridge to Tokyo-Narita and one-stop connections to more than 15 destinations throughout Asia—a region of economic growth and development.”
Japan Airlines is part of the oneworld airline alliance, which allows travelers the additional convenience of earning miles that can be used on any of the partner airlines, including American Airlines. At San Diego International Airport, Japan Airlines will operate the flight from the international gates in Terminal 2 East.
MEDIA NOTE: High-resolution images and high-definition video of the arrival and departure of the inaugural JAL flights at San Diego are available
at: http://www .san.org/sdcraa/news/media_resources.aspx.
###
Contact: Katie Jones
619.400.2884/kjones@san.org