JAL to launch New Domestic First Class from December 1, 2007

Japan Airlines is getting ready to launch a first class service for the first-ever time on its domestic flights in Japan. The airline will introduce the new service on the Haneda, Tokyo – Itami, Osaka route from December 1 2007.

JAL’s new first class service will be available on 7 flights per day (round trip) operating between Haneda, Tokyo and Itami, Osaka from December 1, 2007. The airline plans to expand the new service to all flights operating between the two airports as soon as it can. From April 1 2008, the new class will also be introduced on two other key trunk routes: Haneda – Fukuoka and Haneda – Sapporo.

Passengers choosing JAL’s domestic first class service will be able to relax in a seat upholstered in the finest leather. The seat reclines to a maximum angle of 132°, and has a generous seat pitch (legroom) and width of 130cm and 53cm respectively. The seats will be arranged on board B777-200 aircraft in a 2-2-2 configuration, and a center partition made with a wood finish has been added between each pair of seats for extra passenger privacy. The customer-friendly principles of Universal Design have been incorporated into the seat’s design to ensure that it is usable by as many people as possible regardless of age or physical condition.

On board, JAL will serve first class passengers a choice of either a main meal or a light snack which will be changed every 10 days. Some of the main meals and snacks will be created by some of the top restaurants and shops in Japan. Evening main meals will be alternately made by the French restaurant épouvantail and Japanese restaurant Nadaman in Osaka, and L’Alliance, Waketoku-yama and Aromafresca in Tokyo which are well-known respectively for their French, Japanese and Italian cuisine.

Between the hours 9am and 5pm passengers can choose between a bento box light meal, or desserts made by Maison de Petit Four, Suzukake, or Sun Fruits.

In addition to the complimentary blankets, headphones and soft drinks already provided in economy class and in JAL’s domestic business class, Class J, domestic first class passengers will be given a cushion and slippers for extra comfort and can enjoy a selection of complimentary alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and shochu. The drinks menu will also feature a monthly recommendation of a champagne, wine or sake.

At the airport, JAL will provide dedicated first class check-in counters, and passengers will be able to enjoy priority boarding and priority baggage claim. They will also have access to the Diamond Premier Lounge at Haneda airport, and the Sakura Lounge at Itami airport and other airports where the service will be introduced.

Passengers who have purchased a domestic fare ticket can upgrade from economy class to first class by paying just 8,000 yen for each sector of their journey, subject to seat availability. Passengers traveling internationally in JAL First Class will be seated at no additional cost in the new domestic first class cabin on applicable domestic routes. Seat reservations can be made from October 1 2007.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Japan, JAL, First Class