Japan Air System
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Airline Identity
History
The IATA code JD was originally assigned to Japan Air System (formerly Toa Domestic Airlines, founded in 1971), a Japanese carrier that merged into Japan Airlines between 2002 and 2006; JAS switched to the JL code as it was absorbed into JAL, and JD was subsequently retired and later reassigned. Today the code identifies Beijing Capital Airlines, an entirely separate Chinese carrier established on 2 May 2010 when Deer Jet Airlines (founded 1995) was split into a private-jet charter business and a newly formed scheduled passenger airline. Beijing Capital Airlines flew its first commercial service in April 2010, launched its first international route (Hangzhou–Naha) in October 2014, and took delivery of its first Airbus A330 widebody in July 2015 to support long-haul expansion. The airline is a subsidiary of Hainan Airlines Holding within the former HNA Group, whose aviation assets came under the control of Liaoning Fangda Group Industrial following HNA's 2021 bankruptcy restructuring.
Current Operations
Beijing Capital Airlines primarily serves domestic Chinese routes plus destinations in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, alongside a growing international network that has included Melbourne, Vancouver, Lisbon (via Xi'an) and Moscow. The airline relocated its main base from Beijing Capital International Airport to the newer Beijing Daxing International Airport in September 2019, which now serves as its principal hub. Its fleet combines Airbus narrowbody aircraft with A330 widebodies for long-haul flying. As part of the restructured former HNA Group, Beijing Capital continues to operate as an independent brand distinct from sister carriers Hainan Airlines and Tianjin Airlines, with no operational connection to the historical Japanese carrier that once held its IATA code.
Last verified 2026-08-22· Source: airline public disclosures, company press releases & aviation-industry reporting.