Japan Airlines is set to redefine luxury air travel with the introduction of its Airbus A350-1000 suites for both first and business class. Scheduled to commence its journey on the Tokyo-New York route in November 2023, this aircraft promises an unparalleled experience for its passengers.
The first class section will feature six private suites arranged in a 1-1-1 configuration across two rows. These suites are designed to offer maximum privacy with walls reaching up to 1.57m (62″). On the other hand, the business class will have 54 private suites, each surrounded by 1.32m (52″) partitions.
Both classes will boast in-suite wardrobes and stereo speakers integrated into the headrests, allowing passengers to indulge in the inflight entertainment system without the need for headphones. Additional features include wireless device charging and Bluetooth audio streaming.
The A350’s cabin design is inspired by Japanese aesthetics, aiming to immerse passengers in the elegance and tranquillity of Japan. The first-class suites are uniquely designed with two adjacent seats, one of which is almost double the width of the other, measuring a total of 1.23m (48″). These seats can be adjusted into three different modes: Sofa, Seat and single, or double bed.
For added convenience, the first-class cabin offers under-seat bag storage and has eliminated overhead luggage bins to create a more spacious cabin. The business class suites, while more traditional in design, also provide private wardrobes and cabin bag storage. They have maximized the A350’s spacious interior by removing the central overhead storage compartments.
Passengers can also look forward to a unique rental service for inflight relaxing wear from the renowned Japanese sleep brand, Uchino. Made of 100% cotton, these garments are known for their lightweight, soft texture, and excellent water absorption and insulation properties.
In a move towards personalization, Japan Airlines will allow travellers to customise their inflight meal service timings based on their pre-flight lounge visit and the flight’s arrival time. Large 4K video screens in both classes will display meal service and lights-out timings. Additionally, a vegan and vegetarian menu will be available for pre-order.
Starting in early 2024, passengers across all cabin classes can curate a playlist of movies, TV shows, and music via the JAL app before their flight. This playlist will then be accessible on their inflight screen upon boarding.
By the end of 2023, Japan Airlines anticipates the delivery of its first two A350-1000. Seven more are expected by the end of 2025, with the final four arriving by 2028. These additions will enable the airline to phase out its 13 older Boeing 777-300ERs, achieving a 1:1 replacement with the new A350-1000s.
