Japan Airlines has unveiled the cabin interiors of its soon-to-be-delivered A350-1000s, the carrier’s future international flagship aircraft.
Expected to commence operations before the year is out, the new plane is expected to launch on Japan Airlines’ Tokyo (Haneda)-New York route.
According to the carrier, the new aircraft will offer a higher level of comfort, with its cabins designed to “immerse customers in the elegance of Japanese aesthetics and envelop them in tranquility, providing a serene ambience that encapsulates the beauty of Japan”.
Sounds promising, and a little like the overall experience one can expect on the ground in Japan too.
The new cabin will also be consistent with JAL’s domestic fleet (A350-900 and 787-8 aircraft).
With each class reimagined, new seats will feature across all cabins – First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy – to provide Japan Airlines’ “most relaxing and comfortable experience to date”.
To start with, First Class and Business Class promise fully private suites, with Premium Economy also providing more privacy and comfort. Economy Class, meanwhile, will feature “spacious seating and ample legroom”.
JAL will also gradually introduce new onboard dining, with tableware and cutlery promoting non-petroleum-derived plastics to reduce their environmental impact.
Elsewhere, Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s (USA) latest inflight entertainment system and inflight wi-fi service will also debut on board the new aircraft, with all classes boasting 4K monitors with Bluetooth connectivity and a full integration of the JAL Mobile App.
First Class
At the pointy end of the Japan Airlines plane, six First-Class suites will create an exclusive cabin environment, with JAL introducing individual doors for the first time and eliminating overhead bins for a more open atmosphere.
Seats will measure an enormous 123cm wide, with a bed length of around 203cm.
Along with wardrobe and storage space, First Class will also feature the world’s first headphone-free stereo with built-in headrest speakers available even in bed mode for the massive 43-inch screen.
Business Class
Unlike First Class, Business Class capacity will grow in the new flagship aircraft (to 54 seats), but brand new doors and electric partitions will offer passengers more privacy than ever before.
The lie-flat bed will measure around 198cm and also features a reclining function that allows for easy viewing of the 24-inch screen even whilst lying down. Business passengers will also fly headphone-free.
Premium Economy Class
Along with “large” partitions for more privacy, the Japan Airlines flagship will be the first to introduce electronically-operated reclining functionality in Premium Economy.
Other features include a 107cm seat pitch, 48cm seat width and 16-inch monitors, which are around 1.3 times larger than the current offering.
Economy Class
With a seat pitch of 84-86cm, seat width of 46cm and 13-inch monitor size, JAL promises a higher level of comfort for Economy passengers.
The airline has won the “Best Economy Class Airline Seat” by SKYTRAX six straight times.
Inflight dining
Along with enhanced vegan and vegetarian meals, long-haul Business Class passengers will be able to design their own dining schedule (available from spring 2024).
Meanwhile, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class flyers will have an optional menu (for a fee) that boosts their culinary choices, as well as access to a renewed vegan and vegetarian menu.
With its new dining concept, Japan Airlines hopes to deliver a “healthy inflight meal that satisfies both the body and mind”.
Amenities
Business Class flyers will be able to rent thin, lightweight, 100 per cent cotton “relaxing wear”, while First Class flyers will have similar attire made from 100 per cent organic cotton.
Paper-based amenity kits featuring the artwork of specially contracted artists will also be available to premium passengers.
To mark the launch of the A350-1000, JAL will offer for a limited time an exclusive “MISOKA” toothbrush, which can be used with just water. This will be available for First and Business passengers until June and February 2024 respectively.
In Premium Economy and Economy, JAL will roll out new eco-friendly tableware for inflight meals featuring materials such as paper or 100 per cent recycled plastic.
Details of the new A350 experience can be found here.
In July, Japan Airlines (JAL) and general trading company Sumitomo joined forces to allow visitors to Japan to hire a travel wardrobe from ¥4,000 (about AU$41) per day and fly with less baggage.
