Japan Airlines (JAL) will offer revamped premium seats on US routes from August, when it begins using its new Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft.
The 777s will be fitted with the new JAL Suite for First Class passengers ” 20% larger than the airline”s current equivalent ” with eight set in a 1x2x1 configuration. Within its own compartment, each converts to a fully-flat bed, but when the seat is upright there is enough space for a second passenger to sit opposite within the suite, behind a pull-out table.
Passengers are given Bose noise-cancelling headphones, have a 19” (48cm) television screen, laptop power point plus stowage spaces for bags. They can order whatever combination of food they like from the Japanese or Western full-course and a la carte menus. Passengers can also specify meal selections and dining time to cabin crew at the beginning of the flight.
For business passengers, the JAL Shell Flat Neo seat ” configured 2x3x2 - is an enhanced version of its previous product, reclining further ” to 171” - while pitch and width are also increased (to 60” and 19.2” respectively), with electric controls refined to allow individuals to find their preferred position. Each has a 15.4” personal TV screen, and stowage space is increased.
A new feature is the ”Sky Gallery” ” a wall of the business cabin featuring photographic exhibitions next to a self-service bar where passengers can help themselves to drinks and snacks.
A Premium Economy cabin also debuts on US routes, with seats configured 2x4x2 and which offer 20% more legroom (38” pitch) than standard economy (31”), a tray large enough to comfortably accommodate an opened laptop, and any amenities provided to passengers are the same as those for business class fliers.
JAL introduces the new 777s on Tokyo-New York (JL005/006) on 1 August (operating every other day, then daily from 11 August), followed by Tokyo-San Francisco on 13 September, and Tokyo to Chicago and Los Angeles some time after May 2009.