Japan Airlines’ flagship A350-1000 will enter service later this year with all new cabins nose-to-tail. For premium cabin travelers both space and sound feature heavily in the offering, while even in economy space is part of the plan.
JAL will fly perhaps the lowest density A350-1000 in the skies. Indeed, there are airlines flying the A321neo with more seats on board than the 239 JAL will offer on its new long-haul aircraft. Passengers in each of the four cabins have something to look forward to on board.
First Class Suites
The six new new first class suites on board, provided by Safran Seats, include a unique combination of seat and bed for travelers. The extra wide space can be converted to an 80″ long bed while still keeping a seat portion available, or also extended to increase the bed area. In seat mode the suite offers space for three passengers to sit together.
JAL is also the launch customer of the Euphony in-seat speaker system from Safran and Devialet, announced in June 2022. The system embeds speakers in the headrest so travelers can enjoy the audio without headphones.
Euphony promise passengers high-fidelity sound that is clear and full-bodied. It also can adjust in real-time to the audio content and the ambient cabin noise offering an optimum listening experience without affecting other passengers on board.
A digital panel for operating the suite is part of the offering, along with a personal mini-bar and wardrobe. The seat also includes an almost absurdly large 43″ 4K display from Panasonic Avionics, which is providing the IFE/C kit from nose to tail. Passengers can charge their electronic devices using a universal AC power outlet, USB-A, USB-C, or wireless charging.
Business Class Suites
For business class the JAL offering is a bit more standard, though still a compelling mini-suite for the 56 travelers in this cabin. The staggered 1-2-1 layout ensures each passenger has direct aisle access and all seat face forward for travel.
A privacy partition can be lowered between the pair of seats in the center of the cabin for couples traveling together. The stagger means those seats are not too close, however, even with the divider lowered.
As with the first class seats, business class offers the Euphony in-seat speaker system and a bevy of electronics charging options. And while the IFE screen is not quite so absurdly large, the 24″ monitor should still be plenty for travelers.
For both the first class and business class cabin only the outboard overhead bins will be installed to deliver a more open feel on board. JAL expects most carry-on bags will fit beneath the ottoman of the suites rather than requiring the overhead space.
Premium Economy Seats
JAL’s new premium economy cabin also features Safran seats, with three rows of a 2-4-2 layout. The articulating seat includes a hard shell so passengers cannot recline into the personal space of the traveler behind them.
The seats also include privacy dividers, 42″ pitch, and both AC and USB power at every seat. The seats offer electronic controls, along with a leg rest that raises to fully horizontal.
Passengers can watch movies on the 16″ IFE screen or take advantage of the built-in tablet holder to watch their own content. While the Euphony system is not available in the back half of the plane, travelers will have the option to pair their own Bluetooth headphones on board.
Economy Class Seats
The 155 passengers in economy class will have a 3-3-3 layout, standard for the A350. They’ll also have 33-34″ of pitch, towards the upper end of what airlines offer in coach and a nod to the long-haul routes the aircraft is expected to serve.
As with the rest of the plane, passengers will see an updated IFE solution, with 13″ 4K screens. An adjustable headrest and well positioned power options round out the offering down the back.
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