Japan Airlines has unveiled a new four-class cabin for its upcoming Airbus A350-1000. Scheduled to enter service later this year, the A350-1000 will become JAL’s new flagship for international service.
The Japanese flag carrier will debut its flagship A350-1000 jet on the Tokyo Haneda to New York – JFK route in late November. However, the airline foresees a minor delay owing to supply chain challenges.
First Class Suite
The Airbus A350-1000s will feature six brand-new First Class suites spread across two rows in a 1-1-1 configuration.
- Screen: 43-inch, 4k resolution
- Seat: 211 cm pitch, 123 cm of width, 203 cm long bed
- Seat Manufacturer: Safran Seats GB (UK)
- Wireless Charging, Built-in headrest speakers
First Class suites will now feature privacy doors. In addition, the overhead bins will be omitted, making way for individual wardrobes and storage areas at each seat.
The First Class suite produced by Safran will offer passengers a choice of three seating modes including a sofa, a single seat with the option to transform into a single bed, along with the feature of a double bed.
Japan Airlines is also introducing the headphone-free stereo with built-in headrest speakers, allowing customers to enjoy the inflight entertainment system without using headphones. The headrest also has a reclining function, allowing passengers to enjoy the inflight entertainment even in bed mode.
Business Class
Japan Airlines Airbus A350s will feature 52 Business Class seats, spread across 14 rows in a 1-2-1 configuration.
- Screen: 24-inch, 4k resolution
- Seat: 130 cm pitch, 56 cm of width, 198 cm long bed
- Seat Manufacturer: Safran Seats GB (UK)
- Wireless Charging, Built-in headrest speakers
Every Business Class seat will have direct aisle access for ease of moving around the cabin, and the carrier is incorporating sliding doors into the suite for privacy. Moreover, overhead storage compartments are positioned on the window side to create an open atmosphere.
The Business Class seats will also feature headphone-free stereo with built-in headrest speakers. In addition, the headrest will feature a reclining function, allowing passengers to view the inflight entertainment while lying down.
Premium Economy Cabin
JAL A350-1000s will feature 24 Premium Economy seats, spread across three rows in a 2-4-2 configuration.
- Screen: 16-inch, 4k resolution
- Seat: 107 cm pitch, 48 cm of width
- Seat Manufacturer: Safran Seats France
- Wireless Charging, Built-in headrest speakers
The Premium Economy seats will offer electronically operated reclining functionality alongside larger partitions, providing more privacy. The PE seats will also feature leg rests that can go up 90 degrees. The foot and leg rest system allows the body to be cradled in a recline to help passengers sleep.
Economy Cabin
The A350-1000s will feature 155 Economy Class seats, spread across 18 rows in a 3-3-3 configuration.
- Screen: 13-inch, 4k resolution
- Seat: 84-86 cm pitch, 46 cm of width
- Seat Manufacturer: RECARO (GE)
In addition to the 4k in-flight entertainment screen, Economy seats will feature AC, USB-A, and USB-C charging outlets.
Additional Products and Services
- At the Haneda JAL First Class Lounge, a new exclusive hand-drip coffee service will be introduced, along with the resumption of shoe polishing services.
- In all cabins, Vegan and vegetarian menus will be renewed to provide additional choices.
- In Business Class, a rental service for inflight relaxing wear will be introduced.
- An optional menu (paid service) will be introduced in Premium Economy and Business Class, for those who want to try a variety of culinary choices.
- As part of the celebration of the A350-1000 inaugural flight, a JAL exclusive “MISOKA” toothbrush, which can be used with just water and is made without petroleum-derived plastic, will be offered for a limited time.
- From early 2024, passengers in all cabin classes will also be able to set up a playlist of movies, TV shows, and music ahead of the flight via the JAL app, and then have this shared to their screen after they board.
Japan Airlines is expected to receive its inaugural pair of A350-1000 aircraft by the end of this year. An additional seven of these aircraft are scheduled to join the fleet before the end of 2025, with the last quartet entering service by 2028. They will be integrated alongside a complement of mid-sized A350-900s, which serve an expansive domestic route network.
This upcoming fleet of 13 A350-1000s will facilitate Japan Airlines in phasing out its aging fleet of 13 Boeing 777-300ERs in a one-to-one replacement strategy.