JAL to launch Domestic First Class and New International JAL Premium Economy

Japan Airlines is to introduce new service improvements including a first-time ever first class service on domestic flights, and a new international service class, “JAL Premium Economy” in the fiscal year from April 1st 2007 to March 31st 2008.

Additionally, JAL is planning to improve in-flight meal quality and to introduce new seats in all present international passenger classes, First, Executive (business class) and Economy class in FY2008.

JAL’s Domestic First Class Service

JAL will introduce First Class on JAL domestic flights and is making preparations to start accepting reservations from autumn of 2007.

In June 2004, JAL introduced ‘Class J’ on domestic flights to replace an earlier business class service, called ‘Superseat’. The concept of ‘Class J’ was to enable as many customers as possible to enjoy space with comfort for a small supplement. At present, JAL offers about 8 million ‘Class J’ seats a year (based on planning for FY2007). The average usage rate is more than 85%, indicating the popularity of the service, which has contributed significantly to increasing domestic passenger income.

At the same time, there have been requests from some customers for a higher class of service, and to respond to these customers’ requests JAL has decided to introduce First Class on JAL domestic flights. The new class will be introduced on key trunk routes, where  there will be three classes of service.

International Routes

To strengthen products and services on its international flights, JAL will introduce the JAL Premium Economy in FY2007, and is preparing to introduce new seats on all classes, First, Executive (business class) and Economy, in FY2008.

The seats in the new JAL Premium Economy will be arranged in a 2-4-2 plan (present arrangement 3-3-3) with 38-inch (97 cm)
pitch. (20% greater then regular economy). The seat shall also be the modern shell-type seat which enables the seat to slide forwards when reclined.

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