JAL’s first sunrise flight was a surprise for Marin Honda; President Akasaka “anticipates virtually zero CO2 emissions” with SAF onboard, etc.

On January 1, 2023, JAL conducted the “Hatsuhinode Hatsufuji Flight” to view the New Year sunrise and Mt.

The New Year’s Day sunrise flight is popular because it is less susceptible to weather conditions as it waits for the sun to rise in the sky, and it is a “sure way to see the first sunrise” even in weather where it is difficult to see the sun on the ground due to clouds.

This year’s aircraft is the same as in 2022, an Airbus A350-900 (X11) with 12 First Class seats and 94 Class J seats, and the number of applicants is 350, an increase of 100 from the previous year, since the number of applicants in 2022 was 250. The program is also being held at Narita, Japan, on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft with international specifications, with a capacity of 174 passengers (in 2022, the program will be held on a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with a capacity of 155 passengers).

Speaking at the ceremony, President Yuji Akasaka noted that the airline industry, including the company, is aiming to become carbon neutral (zero CO2 emissions) by 2050. “We have set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality on all our flights to pass on to the next generation. Today, we are providing you with an advance on that,” he said, explaining that the aircraft is an A350, which is fuel-efficient and emits less CO2, and that it is equipped with SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and uses the “JAL Carbon Offset” initiative, a combination of which makes it a virtually carbon-neutral He explained that the flight was virtually carbon neutral.

Also present at the ceremony was JAL figure skater Marin Honda, who introduced her surprise guest by saying, “I am going to see you all off with a dazzling smile. He introduced his surprise guest, saying, “I love the sky and airplanes,” and as the boarding began, he saw off each passenger with a smile.

In addition, participants received a thick tote bag containing an Osechi-style bento lunch box and tea, sake and Masu, red and white manju (Japanese sweet made with red and white bean paste), and Imokenpi, an international first-class confectionery. New Year’s cards with handwritten messages, boarding certificates (distributed in-flight), and many other gifts were available.

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