We are still on an airplane, right?
Anyone looking at the first class section of Japan Airlines' (JPNRF) -) new A350-1000 aircraft might be forgiven for thinking they're in a hotel room.
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The Tokyo-based air carrier announced its new fleet on Oct. 2, saying in a statement that "customers will experience an even higher level of comfort aboard the aircraft and can anticipate a unique overall journey that is individually tailored."
Airbus, the world's largest plane maker, describes the A350-1000 as "the game-changer in large widebody operations."
. お待たせしました‼️
— JAPAN AIRLINES【JAL】 (@JAL_Official_jp) October 2, 2023
╰━ｖ━━━━━━━╯
エアバス #A350-1000型機✈️
客室仕様の映像を公開💺✨
すべてのクラスで座席を刷新🥰
各クラスのポイントは
動画でチェックしてみてね👀🎥
最新情報はこちらで順次公開🔎
⇒https://t.co/pALcEbadNy
※就航日は年内を予定しています#JAL_A350_1000 pic.twitter.com/ocUOTZZagP
Japan Airlines has a total of 13 Airbus A350-1000s on order, which will eventually become the carrier’s flagship aircraft.
Tokyo-New York route delayed
The company has 13 Boeing 777-300ERs in its fleet, which are the carrier’s current flagship aircraft.
JAL's A350-1000 launch was originally planned for late November on the Tokyo Haneda Airport – New York (JFK) route, but is now expected to kick off before the end of the year due to supply chain problems.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” the airline said on X, formerly Twitter, and posted a video about the new aircraft.
Japan Airlines operates two daily flights between Tokyo and New York, and initially only one of those flights will feature the A350, according to One Mile at a Time.
The new first class seating arrangement consists of just six suites with private doors. Passengers have a choice of three seating modes: sofa, seat and single bed, or double bed. Overhead storage compartments have been eliminated.
"The overall aircraft cabin has been designed to immerse customers in the elegance of Japanese aesthetics and envelop them in tranquility, providing a serene ambiance that encapsulates the beauty of Japan," the airline said in a statement.
The suites also have a wardrobe and storage space, a 43-inch TV screen, and what is described as “the world’s first headphone-free stereo with built-in headrest speakers, allowing customers to enjoy the inflight entertainment system without using headphones”.
The business class has been expanded to a seating capacity of 54, up from 49 in the Boeing 777-300ER and doors have been introduced for the first time.
Looking for leisure travelers
Overhead storage compartments are positioned on the window side.
Premium economy will consist of 24 seats with 42 inches of pitch, which marks the measurement from the same position on two seats, one behind the other.
JAL said this will be the first premium economy class in the world to introduce electrically operated reclining functionality.
The economy class, which will have 155 seats, has not been neglected.
JAL, which has won the “Best Economy Class Airline Seat” by SKYTRAX for six consecutive terms, said that seats in this section will offer 33-34 inches of pitch and a large fold-out table, along with an adjustable headrest and pop-down cupholders.
Airlines are reportedly pursing leisure travelers, with major U.S. airlines are expanding premium seating by 25-75% in portions of their fleets, the New York Times reported in May.
Condé Nast Traveler noted that Singapore Airlines A380 Suites gives first-class passengers more space than any other airline and singled out other airlines, such as Cathay Pacific and Air France for their stellar treatment of high-paying customers.
Japan Airlines recently wrapped up an offer for its wealthiest class of travelers, where, until the end of September, those with access to its lounges were given a caviar and vodka pairing.
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