Japan Airlines International: One Section of Japan Airlines Corporation

What is now known as Japan Airlines International was first conceived in 1953 and began its first international flights in 1954. After the government of Japan passed the Japan Air Lines Company Act of August 1, 1953, Japan Air Lines made its first international flight on February 2, 1954, from Tokoyo to San Francisco, as the newly-formed stated-owned Japan Air Lines. As a reminder of the first international flight made by Japan Airlines International, this branch of what is currently known as Japan Airlines Corporation, has consistently been a part of the stated-owned domestic flight branch of the corporation, now known as Japan Airlines Domestic, and Japan Airlines International has kept the number of the first international flight to San Francisco the exact same today as it was in 1954, being Flight Number 101.

During the 1960's, Japan Air Lines upgraded their entire fleet to all-jet aircraft, and Japan Air Lines began making several more international flights from Tokyo. After the passage of the "aviation constitution" in 1972 by the Japanese government, Japan Air Lines was given "flag carrier status to operate more international routes," as it was under the 45/47 system until 1985, when the 45/47 system was abolished. In 1987, the airlines in Japan were deregulated, and Japan's Air Lines was privatized. In 2001, Japan Air Lines merged with Japan Airlines System, and in 2004, Japan Air Lines became Japan Airlines International, as Japan Airlines System then became known as Japan Airlines Domestic.

Today, Japan Airlines Corporation, composed of Japan Airlines Domestic and Japan Airlines International, is the largest airline operator in Asia, and in October 2006, both Japan Airlines Domestic and Japan Airlines International merged into one brand, being Japan Airlines International. Japan Airlines Corporation will soon join the Oneworld Alliance with American Airlines as its sponsor sometime in 2007.