Jetstar Japan on November 5 unveiled to the media at Narita Airport its new-specification Airbus A321LR aircraft (registration: JA29LR). Looking ahead to its planned rebranding in July 2027, the aircraft is a “transition-preparation aircraft” painted entirely white and will enter commercial service on November 6.
JA29LR is the airline’s fourth A321LR. It is a new-specification aircraft with changes including to the cabin configuration from the airline’s three existing aircraft of the type (JA26LR through JA28LR), and is the first in Jetstar Japan’s fleet to feature Airbus’s new “Airspace” cabin. With the rear galley changed from a half galley to a full galley, the aircraft has 232 seats, six fewer than the previous 238-seat configuration.
Each seat is equipped with two types of charging ports, USB Type-A and Type-C. Upgraded from the previous aircraft’s configuration of only one Type-A port, both ports can be used simultaneously. The overhead baggage bins have approximately 40% more storage capacity than before and can accommodate approximately 60% more pieces of baggage.
The lavatories feature touchless flush buttons and faucets. The forward lavatory is also fitted with a pull-out transfer seat to assist passengers transferring from a wheelchair to the toilet seat, further improving accessibility.
In terms of aircraft equipment, the airline has become the first to introduce LED multi-function runway lights (MFRL), which integrate multiple lighting functions, on its A320 family aircraft. By consolidating lights used during taxiing, takeoff and landing, the system helps reduce weight and power consumption while improving maintainability.
The engines are equipped with the LEAP-1A RBS (Reverse Bleed System), which automatically cools the fuel nozzles after shutdown. By suppressing carbon deposits inside the fuel nozzles, the system enhances engine reliability and durability and also helps reduce maintenance workloads.
Other equipment includes the SATCOM satellite communications system, the ELT-DT device that transmits the aircraft’s location in an emergency, and the ROPS Step 2+ safety support system that monitors the risk of runway excursions.
The inaugural flight will be GK105, departing Tokyo/Narita at 8:35 a.m. on November 6 for Sapporo/Chitose. Later on its first day, the aircraft is scheduled to operate GK104 from Sapporo/Chitose to Tokyo/Narita, GK109 from Tokyo/Narita to Sapporo/Chitose, GK156 from Sapporo/Chitose to Osaka/Kansai, and GK234 from Osaka/Kansai to Tokyo/Narita. For the time being, it will remain in its all-white livery and operate on high-demand domestic and international routes.
Jetstar Japan plans to transition from the “Jetstar” brand to a new brand. The name of the new brand and the aircraft design are scheduled to be announced around January 2027, as preparations continue for the transition in July of that year. (17 photos follow)
▲As some components could not be manufactured or painted in time, the original orange color remains on the flap track fairings of both wings and the VHF antenna on the underside of the fuselage
▲Cabin lighting has been changed from the previous four-level control to six-level control, allowing finer adjustments for different times and phases of flight, including boarding, in-flight service and before arrival
▲While the aircraft exterior is painted entirely white, the curtains and panels separating the cabin and galley retain the previous Jetstar design
▲The rear lavatory layout has also been changed due to the revised rear galley configuration, with one lavatory on each side of the aisle
▲Pictograms are used for emergency exits, lavatories and other facilities
▲The new-specification aircraft, with the individual lights around the nose gear omitted through the introduction of multi-function runway lights (MFRL)
▲A conventional A321LR (JA26LR) with individual lights around the nose gear
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This article was generated using automatic translation by GPT-4 API. The translation may not be accurate.
