[Feature] JAL’s New International Airbus A350-1000: Focusing on Privacy in Business Class

Japan Airlines (JAL) has unveiled its new flagship for international flights, the Airbus A350-1000, at the Airbus Delivery Center in Toulouse, France. This article features JAL’s business class, which for the first time adopts a suite-type configuration with doors.

The business class cabin is arranged in a ‘1-2-1’ configuration with a total of 54 seats, 5 more than the current flagship, the Boeing 777-300ER. However, it has wider seat spacing with about 130 centimeters of seat pitch. The seats are manufactured by Safran Seats GB in the United Kingdom. The walls of the suites are approximately 132 centimeters tall, ensuring a high level of privacy.

The seat width is up to 56 centimeters. The length in full-flat bed mode is approximately 198 centimeters, offering a level of comfort similar to traditional first-class. The seat cushion features a body pressure distribution structure made by Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. in Yokohama. Designed for two passengers to use together, the central partition between the pair of seats is adjustable. Luggage storage shelves are installed only on the window sides, giving the cabin an open feel by keeping the central overhead space open.

The in-flight entertainment (IFE) features a 24-inch 4K resolution monitor and can be paired with passengers’ own wireless headphones via Bluetooth. The headrests incorporate speakers made by the French audio equipment company Devialet, allowing passengers to enjoy music or movies without headphones, which JAL says is the first airline seat with built-in speakers in the world.

The Airbus A350-1000 is scheduled to debut on the Tokyo/Haneda to New York route on January 24, 2024. Initially, the aircraft will be introduced on every other day. Within the fiscal year, the second and third aircraft are planned for delivery, and after the introduction of the second aircraft, it will be scheduled daily on the same route. After receiving the third aircraft, it will also operate on the Tokyo/Haneda to Dallas/Fort Worth route.

The panel for control of the reading lights and other functions has been unified into a single row. The seats feature an electric reclining system that operates without the need to keep pressing the button.

The power supply includes universal outlets, USB Type-A, and C ports, as well as a wireless charger for smartphones.