Tuesday, August 5, 2014

ANA flies world's first Boeing 787-9 passenger flight.

On August 4th, All Nippon Airways (NH/ANA) operated the world's first passenger Boeing 787-9 flight, when JA830A (ANA takes delivery of first Boeing 787-9.), flew a sightseeing trip from Tokyo/Haneda (HND/RJTT) and back with 171 Japanese and American primary (elementary) school students residing in Japan as part of the TOMODACHI Initiative. Flight NH2051 departed Haneda at 1324 JST, and flew over Mt. Fuji, Nagoya, Kyoto, Miyatsu, Lake Biwa, Tokyo Disney Resort, before landing back at the same airport at 1527. The young flyers were chosen by officials at ANA, Boeing, and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, and tickets were not available to the public.
Officials of ANA, Boeing, and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo wave hands as Boeing 787-9 JA830A, their first of the stretched Dreamliner, departs for its first passenger flight. (Photo: Aviation Wire)

Born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo investing in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. Present at the inaugural ceremony was Caroline Bouvier Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, along with ANA officials including Shinichiro Ito, President and CEO of ANA Holdings, and Yoji Ohashi, Chairman. "It's a symbol of our deep and continuing relationship between Japan and the U.S.," said Mrs. Kennedy.

Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 series engines, ANA's domestic 787-9s are being configured in a 395-seat layout with 18 Premium Class (six abreast; 2-2-2) and 377 economy class (nine abreast; 3-3-3) seats, including JA830A. Another domestic 787-9, registered JA833A, will be delivered this autumn, while the first long-haul international 787-9 configured with 215 seats (48 business, 21 premium economy, and 146 economy) will be delivered in early 2015. JA830A is planned to inaugurate scheduled revenue service on August 7th (ANA to fly Boeing 787-9 inaugural on August 7th.) on routes from Haneda to Fukuoka (FUK/RJFF), Osaka/Itami (ITM/RJOO), and Matsuyama (MYJ/RJOM).

Although the 787-9 is expected to start replacing 777-200/200ERs, none of them will leave this year. A report for shareholders released on June 24th revealed that FY2014 will see one 747-400D (already retired; End of an Era: ANA retires the Boeing 747.), five 767-300s, four Airbus A320-200s, and one Bombardier DHC-8-300Q (already retired; ANA quietly retires the Bombardier DHC-8-300Q.) withdrawn from service, while in FY2015, two 777-200s, three 767-300s, and three A320-200s will leave the fleet.

Reference: Aviation Wire, August 4th. (in Japanese)

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