March 2010 – August 2010
Defining the Art of Air Travel
The word okyakusama means both customer and honored guest in the Japanese language, and is interpreted as one whose pleasures and wishes are to be served. These values of hospitality and respect date back over a thousand years and are the foundation upon which Japan Airlines (JAL) was built. Cultural traditions and national identity have been more successfully integrated into JAL than perhaps any other airline. As Japan’s flag-carrier, the embrace of these values has enabled JAL to convey an enduring heritage worldwide.
Functional and decorative materials produced by JAL represent the honoring of these traditions and their skillful adaptation to in-flight conditions. The objects on exhibition draw from many of the centuries-old disciplines in Japanese art, craft, and design. They are just some of the thousands of items created by JAL during more than fifty-five years of service. Collectively, they portray the highest level of commitment and attention to detail in providing a passenger experience like no other.
Formed as a domestic airline in 1951, the Japan Airlines Group is now a leading international carrier operating a fleet of more than 270 aircraft to over 200 airports in thirty-five countries. JAL, a member of the oneworld alliance, carried over fifty-two million passengers and over one million tons of cargo in fiscal year 2008. The company formed the JAL Global Environment Committee in the 1990s, and through its policies for social responsibility it has set new standards with award-winning programs in education, health, disaster relief, wildlife conservation, and green technology initiatives.
Photography is not permitted.
©2010 by San Francisco Airport Commission. All rights reserved