JAL promises ‘unprecedented’ new A350 first, business class

Japan Airlines wants to spoil and cosset premium travellers like never before, with its forthcoming fleet of Airbus A350-1000 jets boasting all-new first and business class suites.

The Oneworld airline says the A350-1000s will “provide an unprecedented new experience” for passengers as it levels up against rival ANA and its highly-regarded The Suite first class and The Room business class.

Travellers jetting between Tokyo-Haneda and New York will be the first to sample the new suites, with JAL confirming the A350-1000 will take on the popular route during the Northern Winter schedule which begins in November.

The A350-1000 will replace the Boeing 777-300ER as JAL’s long-range flagship. The 777s received a tip-to-tail cabin refresh beginning August 2019 but the core product, including first class and business class, remains clearly dated when viewed against competing carriers.

The airline says it will disclose more details on the A350-1000 “as soon as they are ready”.

Japan Airlines has 13 A350-1000s on order from Airbus; they’ll join the current fleet of mid-sized A350-900s which ply an extensive domestic network.