The Dreamliner Has Landed at Vancouver International Airport

Japan Airlines Begins Boeing 787-8 Service on Tokyo-Vancouver Route 

RICHMOND, BC, Feb. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - Vancouver International Airport (YVR) today welcomed the future of air travel with the touchdown of Japan Airlines' (JAL) Boeing 787 – the first Dreamliner to land in British Columbia as part of a regularly scheduled service.

JAL's inaugural flight from Tokyo's Narita Airport (NRT) brought to B.C. 186 passengers, who experienced state-of-the art amenities including spacious surroundings, mood lighting, extra-large windows equipped with an electronic dimming system and lower air pressure to reduce fatigue and jet lag.

"The Dreamliner is truly a game-changing aircraft, not only for its incredible passenger experience but also for the increased efficiencies it offers to airlines," said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "We're thrilled to celebrate the exciting arrival of this revolutionary aircraft alongside our long-time business partner, Japan Airlines."

The Dreamliner is touted as the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world and the first to use primarily composite materials in the construction of its airframe.

"Japan Airlines is pleased to be the first airline to introduce the Dreamliner to the Vancouver market," said Takayuki Kobayashi, Vice President of Canada, Japan Airlines. "Our 787s are configured with 144 economy and 42 business-class seats, which we believe will well serve the growing business traffic between British Columbia and Japan."

JAL will introduce the B787-8 series on its existing daily YVR-NRT route using a phased approach, beginning with one weekly flight and extending to its daily service from March 30, 2014. (Schedule is subject to change and government approval.)

"By bringing the Dreamliner to YVR, Japan Airlines reinforces the importance of the Tokyo to Vancouver route as a key connector for business, trade and tourism travellers," said The Honourable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business. "Creating opportunities for fast, convenient travel between these two cities can also increase the flow of trade and investment, leading to more economic and tourism activity for British Columbia."

2014 is the Year of the Dreamliner at YVR, which will welcome more B787s from other airlines as they take delivery of their new aircraft and plan routes and service schedules for the balance of 2014. Visit www.yvr.ca or find us on Twitter at @yvrairport for details on upcoming inaugural celebrations, contests and displays.

About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served 17.9 million passengers in 2013, facilitated 263,000 takeoffs and landings and handled 228,000 tonnes of cargo. Sixty-eight airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 89 non-stop destinations worldwide. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2013 donated more than $700,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca.

About Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines (JAL) was founded in 1951 and became the first international airline in Japan.  A member of the oneworld® alliance, the airline now reaches more than 254 airports in 41 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners with a modern fleet of more than 217 aircraft.  JAL Mileage Bank (JMB), the airline's loyalty program, has over 25 million members worldwide.  Awarded the most punctual major international airline in 2009, 2010 and 2012, JAL is committed to providing customers the highest levels of flight safety and supreme quality in every aspect of its service, and aims to become its customers' most favorite airline in the world.  Japan Airlines is currently celebrating 45 years of service to and from YVR. For more information, please visit www.ar.jal.com

Also available:

· Boeing 787 Dreamliner Fact Sheet

· High-resolution photos; visit yvr.ca/media

SOURCE: Vancouver Airport Authority

YVR Media Relations: 604.880.9815, [email protected], @yvrairport; Japan Airlines: Media Relations - Canada, [email protected]