This year, Japan Airlines (JAL) celebrates 50 years of service to and from New York's JFK International Airport. To mark this occasion, JAL will provide special inflight meals and locally-seleced beverages on its nonstop flights fro New York to Tokyo (Narita) in addition to adding a New York-dedicated audio program on its MAGIC inflight entertainment system.

JAL launched its New York service (flight numbers: JL001/002) on November 12, 1966, with the DC-8 "SETO"(configuration number: JA8015). The inaugural outbound flight carried 58 invited guests, 52 passengers and 8 flight attendants, from Tokyo (via Honolulu and San Francisco to New York.

The New York roundtrip service initially started with a frequency of twice weekly, and increased to five flights a week in March 1967, in connection with JAL's inauguration of round-the-world service. The opening of the route was significant as it served as a bridge to transport both passengers and cargo to and from the U.S. East Coast. JAL increased its Tokyo (Narita)-New York (JFK) route from 7 to 14 weekly round-trip flights on March 30, 2014, to meet the growing demand.

"Japan Airlines expresses its sincerest gratitude to all our customers and our numerous partners who have supported us and helped us achieve this milestone of 50 years of continuous service" said Akira Kimura, Japan Airlines' Senior Vice President for the Americas. "The airline will continue to make every effort to provide our customers with unparalleled service with the aim of becoming the most preferred airline in the world."

To commemorate the anniversary, JAL will include special meals on its New York to Tokyo inflight menus, and the airline will offer a special inflight audio program, called "JAL Special - We Love New York" featuring celebrated songs linked to New York as well as episodes from films based in New York. Customers can enjoy the special audio entertainment while tasting cuisine that highlights selec New York local ingredients.

Special Inflight Meal Service

-First/Business Classes

Japanese menu: Simmered New York duck in sweet soy sauce with sliced "BIG APPLE"

Western menu: Foie gras & beef special burger "BIG APPLE" style

Wines and Beer: New York regionally produced wine; Brooklyn Lager

-Premium Economy/Economy Classes

Commemorative chocolate

Available Route: Flights fro New York to Tokyo (JL003/005)

Effective Period: From September 1 to November 30, 2016

*Specially-selected wines and beer are available in October and November, and commemorative chocolate is available in November.

Inflight Audio Program - JAL Special Introduces "We Love New York"

JAL will introduce "We Love New York," featuring music and specially-selected episodes linked with New York. Customers can listen to such well-known songs as "Autumn in New York" by Billie Holiday, and "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel. The program narration is led by John Kabira.

Available Routes: JAL's international and domestic routes

Effective Period: On international routes in October and November 2016