It’s an thrilling 12 months for Japan Airways. Later this 12 months, the oneworld provider is predicted to take supply of its first Airbus A350-1000, which would be the firm’s new flagship plane, changing the Boeing 777-300ER. Not solely is the A350 a extra trendy and gasoline environment friendly airplane, however Japan Airways can also be promising “unprecedented” new premium cabins.
Up to now the airline hasn’t publicly shared any particulars about these new cabins, although studying between the traces, there are some clues.
Japan Airways’ new six seat top notch cabin
Whereas we don’t know something about what Japan Airways’ new top notch will appear like, I do assume now we have a way of what number of seats shall be within the cabin. Japan Airways presently has eight top notch seats on its Boeing 777-300ERs, unfold throughout two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration.
We all know that later this 12 months Japan Airways will begin flying its A350-1000 between Tokyo (HND) and New York (JFK), so I couldn’t assist however do a fast availability seek for the top of the 12 months. Whereas the airline nonetheless exhibits all flights listed as being operated by 777s, I used to be curious to have a look at stock.
Particularly, beginning later this 12 months, Japan Airways is promoting at most six top notch seats on one in all its every day frequencies between Tokyo and New York. Even on the final present day of the calendar, solely six seats can be found on the market on this flight.
So whereas I can’t say something with 100% certainty, I believe the implications listed here are fairly clear — Japan Airways’ new top notch could have six seats. Japan Airways doesn’t wish to oversell the cabin, which is why it’s adjusting stock on this flight even forward of formally posting an plane change.
We don’t understand how these six seats shall be unfold out, however I think about essentially the most logical choice can be two rows of seats in a 1-1-1 configuration. If that’s the truth is the case, then this must be a reasonably unimaginable top notch product, possible surpassing competitor All Nippon Airways’ new top notch.
You’ll additionally discover a 1-1-1 configuration in Cathay Pacific’s 777 top notch, in addition to in Emirates’ new 777 top notch.
When will Japan Airways’ A350-1000 enter service?
Japan Airways has solely publicly said that the airline will begin flying its A350-1000s as of the winter schedule later this 12 months, which in airline phrases begins in late October. So, what do we all know concerning the timeline past that?
I believe it’s attention-grabbing to have a look at which flights are solely promoting as much as six top notch seats, since presumably that displays the flights the place Japan Airways intends to fly the A350-1000. Admittedly this stays extremely topic to alter, and it’s additionally attainable that Japan Airways is simply erring on the facet of warning, however…
As of October 27, 2023, the next frequency pair is exhibiting solely as much as six top notch seats on the market:
JL6 Tokyo to New York departing 11:05AM arriving 9:50AM
JL5 New York to Tokyo departing 12:45PM arriving 5:15PM (+1 day)
So whereas rather a lot can change, it appears fairly clear that Japan Airways intends to first function its A350 on the JL6/5 frequencies.
Backside line
Japan Airways is introducing new premium merchandise in late 2023, which the provider is advertising and marketing as “unprecedented.” Whereas we don’t have any official particulars past that, it appears possible that the brand new cabin could have simply six seats. Moreover, we even have a way of which of the 2 every day frequencies is most probably to have the brand new product.
What’s your tackle these particulars about Japan Airways’ new 777 top notch?