Skift Take
Asian airlines’ customers still take innovation and premium cabins seriously and are willing to pay for them. For these customers, Japan Airlines is bringing in their new flagship, the A350-1000s in a premium-heavy configuration.
When it comes to premium cabins, most of the innovation happens in the Asia-Pacific region (including the Middle East). This is where most premium airlines are, and they all want the big money customers.
Japan Airlines threw its hat in the ring Monday with a new product that will come to the market in the next three months and makes it a serious contender for the long-haul travel market.
Here's what Japan Airlines announced – and what it means.
Japan Airlines to start flying the Airbus A350-1000 as its long-haul flagship aircraft. When it comes to Japanese air travel, both Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airlines (ANA) have been neck-and-neck for years, with ANA being slightly bigger.
To keep its competitive position in the international market intact, Japan Airlines has moved forward with an ambitious plan to replace its 19-year-old Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with newer Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, the first two of which are expected this year.
The airline had 31 A350 aircraft on order, with 18 of the -900 version (16 delivered) and 13 of the -1000 version. All 13 jets are intended to be replacements and will be deliv