Japan Airlines (JAL) has unveiled a new cabin interior for its Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
The new design – branded as JAL Sky Suite 787 – will first be available on the Tokyo Narita–Frankfurt route from this coming December, followed by the Tokyo Narita–New York service from January next year.
JAL's Boeing 787-8
The JAL Sky Suite 787 layout will also be configured onto all subsequent deliveries of the B787-8 as well as the upcoming stretched variant – the B787-9.
Perhaps the biggest change from the existing B787-8 layout is the addition of a premium economy cabin. A new seatmap by the airline indicates that there will be 35 premium economy seats on the Dreamliner.
New seatmap of B787-8
Meanwhile, overall seat capacity will fall from 186 to 161. While there will be only 38 business class seats as opposed to the existing 42, it is in coach where JAL will be cutting the most number of seats – from 144 to a mere 88. To view the seatmap for the existing B787-8 layout, click here.
Upcoming business seat – JAL Sky Suite
Revision to business class is significant, as JAL will be installing its fully flat beds (JAL Sky Suite) onto the Dreamliner – the same as that on the carrier’s Boeing 777. Though positioned in a 2-2-2 layout, all seats have direct aisle access. Other amenities include ample storage space, a large swivel table, and a 23-inch personal TV attached to each seat.
Existing business seat on B787-8 – JAL Shell Flat Neo
One of the major complains by premium passengers was that the B787-8 currently features the JAL Shell Flat Neo seats, which are angled lie-flat. Considering that the Dreamliner is deployed on long-haul services, the fully flat JAL Sky Suite will be a major improvement.
Premium economy – JAL Sky Premium
Premium economy will be configured in a 2-3-2 layout, with the same seat design as that on JAL’s B777 aircraft. The fixed back allows for reclining without affecting the fellow passenger behind you. A centre divider at head level provides added privacy, while a new 12.1-inch touch-panel monitor is also available.
Economy class – JAL Sky Wider
Finally, the reduction in economy class means that the seats will no longer be positioned in a 3-3-3 layout but a more comfortable 2-4-2 setup. Customers will particularly appreciate the extra 5cm legroom over the existing product.
For more information, visit jal.co.jp
Clement Huang
