From December, Japan Airlines (JAL) will be operating a trend-setting First Class service. First to benefit is the Haneda, Tokyo-Itami, Osaka route which is now available for reservations. The premium offering will be offered on seven flights daily and there are immediate plans to launch it on all JAL flights between the two destinations. In April 2008, the new class will be introduced on the Haneda-Fukuoka and Haneda-Sapporo services.
Upholstered in the finest leather, the seat reclines to a maxim angle of 132 degrees and has a generous seat pitch and width of 130cm and 53cm respectively. Seat configuration onboard the Boeing 777-200 is 2-2-2, with a centre partition made of wood finish has been added between each pair of seats for extra passenger privacy. Universal Design, which conceptualised the seats, has ensured a user-friendly product that all ages will have no problems with.
First Class passengers will enjoy a choice of a main meal or light snack, using the freshest of ingredients, and which will change every 10 days. Some of the top restaurants and specialty shops in Japan are helping to create the cabin cuisine. Well-known names include epouvantail (French) and Nadaman (Japanese) of Osaka and L’Alliance (French), Waketoku-yama (Japanese) and Aromafresca (Italian) of Tokyo. From 0900 to 1700, customers can pick between a bento box light meal or desserts made by Maison de Petit four, Suzukake or Sun Fruits.
At Haneda Airport, JAL is setting up dedicated First Class check-in counters providing priority boarding and baggage claim. Patrons will also have access to the Diamond Premier Lounge at Haneda and Sakura Lounge at Itami and other airports where the service will soon be launched.
Those who have purchased a domestic fare ticket can upgrade from Economy Class to First Class by adding ¥8,000 (US$69.10) for each sector of their journey, subject to availability. Those travelling internationally First Class will be seated at no additional cost on applicable domestic routes.
