"JAL FLIGHT FUN!" is an app that allows you to enjoy your time on JAL domestic flights even more. Previously, we had been using "JAL In-Flight Wi-Fi", but in November 2019, it was reborn with a new look.
The app has been given the role of a "partner" to help make the most of the limited time you have on a domestic flight, and new features are still being added.
In-flight Wi-Fi connection assistant evolves to focus solely on entertainment
Yabuki: "Originally, the in-flight app was for connecting to Wi-Fi. When JAL introduced in-flight Wi-Fi on domestic flights, the procedure was complicated, so the app was positioned as a means to assist with connection. However, since that issue has now been resolved, we have redesigned it to make the in-flight experience even more enjoyable for our customers."
So reflects Yabuki Kohei, a systems engineer at the JAL Brand Communication Web Business Department, who oversees the development of all JAL apps. Currently, the procedure for using the in-flight Wi-Fi on JAL domestic flights has become a simple process of connecting to the in-flight Wi-Fi and then entering an email address into a specified URL. As a result, the "JAL In-flight Wi-Fi" app has completed its role, but the development team was formed to explore how the app could be used to help customers enhance their flight time. Ono Shingo, the current leader of the development team, explains:
Ono: "After deciding to incorporate entertainment features, we came up with various ideas, such as a photo frame and 3D functions, and consolidated them into a feasible concept. In order to make the app user-friendly, we asked monopo, a development company with a reputation for graphics, to materialize the design and concept, and JAL decided to carry out the development itself."
New features are being added continuously since the release.
First, the team began developing the "TODOFUKEN STAMP" function. Cabin attendants on domestic flights hand out "JAL TODOFUKEN SEALs" for the prefectures they feel most connected to, with the desire to "value connections with customers more than ever before." These stickers depict famous places representing each prefecture and region. This is an attempt to digitize them (※).
*As of March 31, 2023, the distribution of new stamps is currently suspended.
"CAMERA" and "MAP" were then added in August 2021. Sayumi Abe of the Planning Group in the Web Sales Department at Japan Airlines, who is in charge of app development planning, looks back on the experience.
Abe: "The original 'In-flight Wi-Fi' had a function called 'Sky Camera' that allowed passengers to take photos with their flight number and flight information and post them to social media, which was well received. We wanted to further strengthen this function by adding the CAMERA function, which allows passengers to take photos using the stylish JAL original camera frame created by monopo."
Abe: "The MAP function not only displays your current location, but also allows flight crew members to introduce landmarks around Japan, and allows you to check airports and souvenirs around Japan. It's a flight map packed with information."
Another feature that is attracting attention is the "Which Way is Mt. Fuji?" function, which was added in November 2019. By entering your flight number, you can find out from which side of the aircraft you will be able to see Mt. Fuji.
Abe: "Previously, I was a ground staff member assisting customers at the airport. Customers checking in would often ask which side of the plane Mt. Fuji was visible on, and they were happy to hear about the "Which side is Mt. Fuji?" feature that was available on the JAL app at the time. After that, the feature was removed from the JAL app, but in 2019, in response to customer requests, we revived the feature in the "JAL FLIGHT FUN!" app, which is a perfect fit for making domestic flights more enjoyable. We hope you will also make use of the "CAMERA" function when you want to take a photo with Mt. Fuji in the background."
The app also expresses JAL's high-quality service. It will continue to evolve in the future.
In addition to the photo frame, "JAL FLIGHT FUN!" will continue to be improved and new functions will be added in the future.
Yabuki: "I've been in charge of practical applications like reservations, but the development perspective that comes with entertainment has been very stimulating. Even so, the team values the 'JAL-ness'. It's important not to destroy the worldview that customers expect from JAL, as well as the visibility and functionality of the design."
We would like to express JAL's philosophy of providing the best possible service, which is courteous and easy to understand, through the app.
Abe: "We have many prospects. Currently, we are only using it for domestic flights, but we are considering expanding to international flights, developing different collaboration frames and new functions. Please look forward to it."
Ono: "(As a developer) I think the most important thing is to be able to release the product. I think adhering to the set schedule and proceeding with development will lead to benefits for our customers."
Domestic flights are a maximum of three hours long. In addition to in-flight magazines and snacks, some aircraft also offer in-flight entertainment, but if you like, please use the in-flight app. Our development team is constantly working on new ideas to make your limited time on the journey even more fulfilling.
JAL FLIGHT FUN!
We'll take you behind the scenes of JAL's work, including inside stories on the introduction of the A350 and the development of in-flight meal menus.
*Some content was updated on October 17, 2023.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
