Japan Airlines’ new route from Tokyo to Doha will increase Middle East tourists’ arrival to Japan

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Japan Airlines (JAL) has made aviation history by commencing the first-ever nonstop service between Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) and Doha – Hamad International Airport (DOH). This milestone achievement not only represents the first Japanese carrier to offer direct flights to the Middle East but also solidifies a strategic code-share partnership with Qatar Airways, a fellow oneworld® alliance member. This latest venture is poised to enhance global connectivity, offering seamless connections to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.

The inaugural flight, JL059, embarked from HND aboard JAL’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, boasting a nearly full complement of passengers, and touched down at DOH as per schedule. The arrival was celebrated with the traditional water cannon salute, a gesture of honor and welcome in the aviation industry. A ceremonial event at DOH, attended by local dignitaries and representatives from Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines, featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official launch of this landmark route.

Ross Leggett, Japan Airlines Managing Executive Officer, Route Marketing Senior Vice President, expressed his enthusiasm for the new service, stating, “Our new Doha service is the first direct flight from the Middle East operated by a Japanese airline. It perfectly complements JAL’s global network and enables customers to seamlessly connect from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America through our partnership with Qatar Airways.” He further highlighted the growing demand for business and leisure travel from Doha to Asia, underscoring JAL’s commitment to offering its five-star service and unique hospitality to an expanding traveler base.

Sujata Suri, Senior Vice President of Finance and Procurement at Hamad International Airport, lauded the initiative as a “landmark achievement” that signifies the burgeoning partnership between Qatar and Japan. The introduction of JAL’s daily flights from Tokyo Haneda to DOH, coupled with Qatar Airways’ recent resumption of service to Osaka, is anticipated to boost weekly flight frequencies between Qatar and Japan by 50%, reflecting Hamad International Airport’s dedication to advancing global travel and enhancing passenger experiences.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, also welcomed the collaboration, saying, “We are very pleased to welcome our oneworld partner Japan Airlines to Doha and look forward to further building our successful relationship for worldwide customers flying from and to Japan and North Asia.” He emphasized the strategic significance of leveraging Hamad International Airport’s status as a global five-star hub, aiming to attract more partner airlines to this premier gateway and stopover destination.

The nonstop DOH-HND service, operated by JAL’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, features a two-class configuration. The JAL SKY SUITE 787 includes 52 JAL SKY SUITE Ⅲ fully flat seats in Business Class and 151 JAL SKY WIDER seats in Economy Class, both of which have received industry accolades. The aircraft is equipped with the latest inflight entertainment system, Magic-VI, offering touchscreen monitors at every seat and Wi-Fi connectivity (fee-based), ensuring passengers enjoy a comfortable and connected flight experience.

This launch is part of the JAL Group’s ongoing efforts to enhance customer convenience, expand its network, and elevate the quality of its products and services. By introducing the direct route between Tokyo and Doha, Japan Airlines not only paves the way for increased cultural and business exchanges between Japan and the Middle East but also reiterates its position as a leader in global aviation, committed to connecting the world with unparalleled service and innovation. As the aviation industry continues to recover and evolve, JAL’s new nonstop service stands as a testament to the airline’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to meeting the dynamic needs of today’s global travelers.

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