Introduction
Update: Japan Airlines has now revealed its new first and business class cabins for its A350-1000.
Yesterday, I reported that Japan Airlines would launch its new first class in late November. Based on reviewing the first class inventory Japan Airlines was selling, sometime after November 14th is the most likely launch date. Following up on my previous post, Japan Airlines has announced that all of the details regarding the launch of its A350 (including new first class and business class cabins) will revealed on October 2nd.
Japan Airlines Will Reveal New First Class and Business Class Cabins on October 2nd
Japan Airlines issued a press release on August 22nd, which details changes to its flight schedule for the second half of 2023. As a part of the release, Japan Airlines announced frequency changes to specific destinations based on demand. The most important part of the press release was point number 2, which states:
“On October 2, 2023, we will announce the launch date of the A350-1000 aircraft scheduled to be introduced on the Haneda = New York route.”
If you read further into the press release, you will see the following additional details about the October 2nd announcement:
“The new flagship, the A350-1000, is preparing to go into service in late November (Haneda = New York route). Information on flight operations such as the date of service, details on the interior of the aircraft, and in-flight services will be announced on October 2nd. On board, we offer products and services that meet the needs of each individual customer, while allowing them to relax in a private space. Please look forward to a new boarding experience suitable for the coming era.”
Waiting for October 2nd
I’m glad that Japan Airlines has now given a definitive timeline to announce its new first and business class cabins on the upcoming A350-1000. As noted in my post yesterday, I’ve been checking Japan Airlines’ A350 page daily to see if anything new has been revealed. 😂
I’m curious how Japan Airlines will announce its new cabins, whether it’s just through online pictures and videos they will distribute or whether it will be a more formal press event. I’m also excited to see what service changes may accompany the seat upgrades.
Given that Japan Airlines is drawing this much attention to the announcement with a specific date, I’m hopeful they have something genuinely innovative and exciting to show off. Often airlines release new cabin images without giving prior notice of the announcement.
At a minimum, I expect privacy doors/walls for first and business class (the current product lacks much privacy) and updated tech (such as 4K entertainment, Bluetooth audio, USB-C port), which is outdated on the existing seat.
Japan Airlines New First and Business Class Cabins
To summarize some of what I mentioned previously, Japan Airlines will likely be going from its current first class with 8 seats on the 777-300ER to just 6 first class seats on the A350-1000. Given the decreased number of seats, I anticipate them to be arranged in a 1-1-1 configuration. However, I’d love to see Japan Airlines do something less typical and offer 1 pair of seats next to each other.
Emirates and Qantas both have first class cabins with just six seats that could serve as some inspiration for what Japan Airlines’ A350 first class could look like.
The Pilot Debrief
Japan Airlines today announced in a press release that they will reveal all the details we have been waiting for about the A350-1000 on October 2nd. This will include the dates the aircraft will fly on the JFK-HND route, revealing the new first and business class cabins, and details regarding the service.
I’m expecting something innovative from Japan Airlines due to the attention they are drawing to the launch of the A350. Given that Japan Airlines is about 14 hours ahead of my time zone, I’ll have my eyes glued to what Japan Airlines will announce sometime on the evening of October 1st (perhaps on its website or social media channels).
Be sure to check back in on October 2nd as I’ll share my thoughts on what Japan Airlines announces for its new first and business class.
