JAL Group announces more network cuts from Oct-2009

JAL Group announced (07-Aug-09) plans to make "drastic adjustments" to its network and fleet size in 2HFY2009, in accordance with its FY2009 management plan and to more closely match capacity to demand sooner and allow the Group to improve profitability. In 2HFY2009, flight frequencies will be further reduced on eight international routes and six domestic routes and two international routes from Nagoya will be eliminated - see Route Changes Table for more information. A major downsizing of aircraft in this period will affect 15 flights on 14 international routes, where B747-400s will be switched to B777s and 767s, and B767s will be switched to B737s. JAL also plans to progress with the Premium Strategy, involving the addition of the latest JAL Suite in first class, Shell Flat Neo in business class, and the new cabin category, Premium Economy, with services from Tokyo Narita to Chicago, Los Angeles, Milan and Rome to be affected. The carrier also plans to launch Tokyo Haneda-Beijing service and increase Osaka Itami-Fukuoka frequency and enact some schedule changes to select international cargo services. [more - Full PDF]