First Look: Japan Airlines Debuts New A350-1000 Suites

Japan Airlines showed off its much-anticipated A350-1000 interiors on Monday, featuring 239 seats in a four-class configuration. Both First and Business class cabins will feature fully enclosed suites.

According to data available on Planespotter.net, JAL’s A350-1000 will be far less dense than some fellow operators of the type. For instance, Qatar Airways’ A350-1000s has a whopping 327 seats. By comparison, Qantas’ yet-to-be-delivered A350s will have 238 seats, one fewer than JAL.

Onboard Interiors

‘Completely redesigned’ seats have been installed in all classes, according to the airline. While First and Business class cabins will have private suites, Premium Economy and Economy classes will also see a revamp.

Throughout the new flagship aircraft, JAL says it will use Panasonic’s latest inflight entertainment system (IFE) and inflight Wi-Fi service will debut on the new aircraft. All classes will feature 4K screens with Bluetooth connectivity. The airline says that passengers will be able to integrate the IFE with its mobile app to save favorites.

First Class

The new First Class cabins have just six suites, each featuring a door that creates a fully enclosed space.

In a press release, JAL adds that the new suites will be 48 inches wide while the accompanying IFE screens will be 43 inches. There will be three seating modes: a sofa, regular seat, single bed, or even a double bed option, which is presumably similar to Qatar Airways’ center-aisle QSuites.

JAL’s First Class on its A350-1000 (Photo: JAL)

Perhaps a unique feature of this suite is the use of the ‘world’s first headphone-free stereo.’ JAL states that there will be built-in headrest speakers, therefore eliminating the need for headphones.

First Class suite on JAL’s A350-1000 (Photo: JAL)

Business Class

Despite the increase in seat capacity to 54 seats from 49 on its 777-300ER, doors and a fully private suite will be available. The seat is about half the width of First at only 22 inches.

Business Class on JAL’s A350-1000 (Photo: JAL)

Business Class Suite on JAL’s A350-1000 (Photo: JAL)

Of course, the seat is lie-flat, also featuring the carrier’s headphone-free stereo in the headrest.

Premium Economy

Also new to JAL’s onboard offerings, the cabin features partitions to improve privacy. According to the Japanese carrier, it is also the first Premium Economy cabin to introduce electrically operated reclining functionality.

Each seat has 42 inches of pitch and a 16-inch monitor.

Premium Economy seats on JAL’s A350-1000 (Photo: Japan Airlines)

Premium Economy on JAL’s A350-1000 (Photo: JAL)

Economy

On its A350-1000, JAL plans to have 155 economy seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. Seat pitch will vary between 33-34 inches with a 13-inch screen.

Across all the A350-1000’s cabins, JAL says it is enhancing the soft product offerings as well, including new onboard dining and onboard amenities.

Economy on JAL’s A350-1000 (Photo: JAL)

Entry-into-Service Woes

Currently, JAL has 13 A350-1000s on order. The new aircraft were set to begin service in November on the carrier’s Tokyo/Haneda – New York-JFK route. However, this launch has now been pushed to late 2023 due to “supply chain disruption affecting the delivery of components,” the carrier said in a press release.

According to Cirium data, JAL operates two daily flights between Haneda and JFK. The carrier is slated to have the A350-1000s operate on alternating days once service starts.

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Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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