JAL Group to make changes to domestic Business Class

The JAL Group today announced the introduction of a new, simplified and lower-priced domestic business class, CLASS J - from June 1st, 2004.

The streamlined, more competitive new domestic service is being introduced as a result of a recent survey that showed that domestic business travelers put comfort and reasonable cost before extensive in-flight meal and refreshment services. 

Class J on Japan Airlines Domestic* services will replace the current JAL 'Superseat' service brand of domestic business class. It will be installed on around 70 domestic aircraft of the current JAL and JAS fleets. (From April 1st, the integration of Japan Airlines (JAL) and Japan Air System (JAS) will be complete and the integrated airline will operate under the JAL brand using the name Japan Airlines Domestic).

Class J service is based on a new seat, designed for the JAL Group by GK Industrial Design Company of Japan, designers of JAL's award-winning international business class ''Shell Flat Seat''.

- Seat pitch will be 95 cm (37.4 in). Regular domestic economy seat pitch is 79 cm (31 in)

- Seat cushion width is 47 cm (18.5 in) Regular domestic economy seat width is 44 cm (17.3in)

- Arm rest width 18 cm (7.0 in). Regular seat arm rest width is 6 cm (2.4 in).

JAL Domestic will increase the number of Class J seats in four types of twin aisle aircraft and will charge a flat rate of 1000 yen per seat in addition to the regular domestic economy full fare. Current Superseat charges range from 3,200 yen to 4,200 yen according to route flown.

Service items in Class J include blankets, headphones and beverage service including soft drinks and herb tea. In a special promotional campaign up to October 31 2004, each Class J passenger will be offered beer in original design cans and Hotel Nikko Tokyo cookies from the flagship hotel of the JAL Group.

Current Superseat meal service, free wine and beer and dedicated check-in counter services will end May 31, 2004.

Reservations for JAL Class J service will be accepted from April 5, 2004.