End of an Era: Japan Airlines Retires Boeing 777-300ER Fleet After 19 Years

Japan Airlines (JAL) has officially announced a pivotal change in its fleet policy, revealing plans to retire its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The first of these iconic planes is set to leave active service on September 19, 2024, marking the end of an era for one of aviation’s most recognizable and esteemed aircraft. In a poignant farewell, video footage shared on social media captures ground staff at Haneda Airport (HND) lining the runway to pay tribute to the aircraft as it heads into storage.

The Boeing 777-300ER, which was delivered to Japan Airlines in 2005, was the fourth of its type to enter service with the Japanese flag carrier and operated under the registration JA734J (now changed to N3243P) after retirement.

After over 19 years of dedicated service and countless flights connecting travelers across the globe, the aircraft completed its final revenue flight on August 20, 2024, traveling from Sydney (SYD) to Tokyo-Haneda (HND).

This farewell flight signifies not only the end of a significant chapter for the airline but also for many aviation enthusiasts who have admired the Boeing 777-300ER’s performance and reliability.

With the retirement of its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, Japan Airlines is transitioning to the newer Airbus A350-1000. These state-of-the-art aircraft come equipped with advanced interiors and luxurious first-class suites aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.

The first A350-1000 was delivered to JAL in December 2023, and the airline plans to replace its entire fleet of 13 Boeing 777-300ERs with A350-1000s by 2026.