Japan Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000.
The aircraft is one of 13 on order, and joins the 16 shorter A350-900s already in the fleet (with more coming).
A ceremony held in Toulouse marked this first delivery, with the aircraft (JA01WJ, cn 610) flying non-stop to Tokyo Haneda.
A New International Fleet
Japan Airlines is heralding the A350-1000 as its new international fleet.
To date its A350-900s have been used mostly on the airline’s domestic network, however the -1000s will be used on flagship long-haul routes.
They have used the opportunity of taking on this new type to introduce a new cabin, featuring a First Class with the “largest, most comfortable personal space to date,” a Business Class with “delightful surprises”, an “elevated” Premium Economy, and the “World’s highest quality” Economy class.
Where Will Japan’s A350-1000s Fly?
The first and only route to be announced so far for Japan Airlines’ new A350-1000s is Tokyo Haneda to New York JFK.
Flight JL005/006 will operate daily with the type, starting 24 January 2024.
Once more aircraft are delivered, it is expected to enter service on other high profile international routes from Tokyo to destinations in North America and Europe.