JAL’s new B777 seats to launch on London route from January 9

Japan Airlines' new economy, premium economy, business and first class seats will be available on B777-300ER services on the London-Tokyo route from January 9 next year. The new products will be available on flights JAL401 and JAL402, on departures from Tokyo on odd-numbered dates in January, and even numbered dates in February. In mid-February the carrier will then take delivery of its second retrofitted aircraft, allowing it to offer a daily service with the new seats between London and Japan. As more aircraft are fitted throughout next year, the new seats will become available on routes to New York from March, followed by (not necessarily in this order) Paris, Frankfurt, LA, Chicago and San Francisco. Business Traveller reported on the new seating earlier this year (see online news August 16 and September 13), and was given a sneak preview of the premium economy and business class products at an event at London’s Barbican Centre this week. The smart red and black design features an impressive 42 inches of legroom in premium economy (JAL Sky Premium), with a seat which reclines in a sliding fashion within its shell to avoid disturbing passengers behind, and a 12.1-inch TV screen. The number of seats in premium economy will be reduced from 44 to 40 with the introduction of the new seat. In business class (or JAL Sky Suite), a staggered layout means every passenger will benefit from aisle access, with seat features including a 72-inch bed - the first time JAL has offered a fully-flat product in business class – and a large 23-inch touchscreen TV. Passengers will also be offered an “air weave mattress” for added comfort when sleeping. With the introduction of the new JAL Sky Suite the number of business class seat will be reduced from 63 to 49. Business Traveller did not see the new economy (JAL Sky Wider) in situ, but the carrier promises an extra three inches of legroom in economy (from 31 to 34 inches), as well as extra space at knee level thanks to the new thinner, curved seat design. First class (JAL Sky Suite) will offer a 78.5-inch fully-flat bed with up to 33 inches of width, with features including a 23-inch TV screen and Tempur bedding. The new seating coincides with a revamp of the carrier’s in-flight meal services, with four chefs including the three-Michelin starred Seiji Yamamoto and the two-Michelin starred Koji Shimomura creating dishes for business and first class passengers. For more information visit jal.co.jp. Report by Mark Caswell