JAL to Introduce Domestic First Class & New International Premium Economy Class in FY2007
Japan Airlines | Jan. 17, 2007
Japan Airlines will introduce new service improvements including a first-time ever first class service on domestic flights, and a new international service class, "JAL Premium Economy" in FY2007 (the fiscal year from April 1st 2007 to March 31st 2008).
Additionally, JAL is planning to improve in-flight meal quality and to introduce new seats in all present international passenger classes, First, Executive (business class) and Economy class in FY2008.
The new service and product improvements come as a response to customer feedback.
Introducing JAL's Domestic First Class Service
JAL will introduce First Class on JAL domestic flights and is making preparations to start accepting reservations from autumn of 2007.
In June 2004, JAL introduced 'Class J' on domestic flights to replace an earlier business class service, called 'Superseat'. The concept of 'Class J' was to enable as many customers as possible to enjoy space with comfort for a small supplement. At present, JAL offers about 8 million 'Class J' seats a year (based on planning for FY2007). The average usage rate is more than 85%, indicating the popularity of the service, which has contributed significantly to increasing domestic passenger income.
At the same time, there have been requests from some customers for a higher class of service, and to respond to these customers' requests JAL has decided to introduce First Class on JAL domestic flights. The new class will be introduced on key trunk routes, where there will be three classes of service for the first time in the history of Japanese domestic aviation.
JAL will announce further details before the start of reservations.
International Routes - Introduction of New Products and Services
To strengthen products and services on international flights, JAL will introduce the JAL Premium Economy in FY2007, and is preparing to introduce new seats on all classes, First, Executive (business class) and Economy, in FY2008.
1) JAL Premium Economy
To respond to customer feedback for a higher degree of comfort than in normal Economy Class, JAL has decided to introduce 'JAL Premium Economy'. New seats are being developed based on the design of the JAL Shell Flat Seats in Executive (business) Class.
2) Other new products and services
JAL plans to renew various other products and services, including in-flight meals, from FY2007. Additionally, JAL is planning to introduce new seats in all international classes in FY2008. The airline will announce details later.