JAL will gradually renew its domestic flight services starting this spring in April. In addition to renewing its apps, in-flight meals, in-flight Wi-Fi, and lounges, JAL will introduce a new Boeing 737-8 aircraft in FY2027 and expand the number of routes with First Class service nationwide.
On March 23, a press conference was held in Tokyo, where JAL’s Junko Sakihara, Deputy General Manager of Customer Experience Division, and others explained the measures being taken. At the event, a mockup of the new seats for two classes of domestic flights was shown for the first time.
The new Boeing 737-8 aircraft is scheduled to be received by the end of FY2026, and will begin service on routes throughout Japan in phases beginning in FY2027. The single-aisle aircraft (the current aircraft is a Boeing 737-800) is used on domestic routes with particularly short flight distances, but this is the first time that first class will be introduced.
Until now, First Class was limited to certain routes (10 routes including Haneda-Itami/Naha/Shin-Chitose using twin-aisle Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s), but with the addition of First Class on single-aisle aircraft, regional routes where larger aircraft are not flown will also be able to enjoy the spacious First Class seats and high quality in-flight experience. The new system will also be available on single aisle aircraft, which will allow regional flights that do not fly larger aircraft to enjoy the spacious seats and high quality in-flight experience of first class.
There will be two classes of seats, first class and economy class, but the specific layout and seat specifications, including the number and placement of seats, will be announced at a later date as soon as they are finalized.
The main features of the new aircraft are terminal holders and charging facilities at every seat, and a new high-speed, low-latency in-flight Wi-Fi system. This allows passengers to freely spend time on board using their own smartphones and tablets, even on single-aisle aircraft without personal monitors.
All seats are equipped with PE (personal electrical device) holders, which are designed to prevent slippage even when a smartphone or tablet is propped up, and the front seats are equipped with two USB Type-A and Type-C ports for charging, allowing passengers to enjoy their favorite content while charging, separately from the holders. A large table is available for PC work.
In addition to this, the first class seats are equipped with electric reclining of the backrest and legrests, and a headrest that can be adjusted to several heights. In addition, the side of the generous-width seat is equipped with a pocket where you can wirelessly charge your smartphone by simply placing it on the seat, as well as a personal reading light.
On the other hand, the width and amount of seat recline of the standard (economy class) seats are said to be largely the same as on the current aircraft, but the backrests of the seats have been designed to be thinner, making the space between the seats in front feel wider. In addition, the lower part of the front seat has been shaped as if it were gouged out, creating more room around the knees.
The in-flight Wi-Fi system on the new aircraft has been replaced by a Wi-Fi system using the “Low Earth Orbit Satellite (LEO) group” instead of the conventional Geostationary Orbit Satellite (GEO) system.
This enables high-speed and low-latency communication speeds, which will enable not only Web browsing and SNS use, but also streaming video and online gaming, which have been unavailable until now, and will provide a “communications environment that feels just like on the ground” on board.
In addition, during FY2026, on current Airbus A350-900 aircraft and new Boeing 787-8 aircraft in Japan, the connection procedure will be improved to be simpler so that the portal site will be automatically launched when JAL’s Wi-Fi is selected.
In addition, the in-flight meals and beverages currently offered in first class on domestic flights will be renewed starting in April. Under the theme of “Prefectures you have never visited but would like to visit,” the menu will change every two months, incorporating ingredients and seasonal flavors from various regions of Japan (Aomori and Kochi prefectures will be the theme for April and May).
On short-haul routes (Haneda – Itami/Hiroshima), the conventional serving method will be reviewed, and “bento” style boxed meals will be offered to passengers on short flights to allow them to enjoy their meals more comfortably. On the other hand, on long-haul routes (Haneda – Shin-Chitose/Fukuoka/Kagoshima/Naha/Miyako/Ishigaki, Itami – Shin-Chitose/Naha), the airline will continue to provide tray sets.
The concept of the domestic flight renewal is “New Angles, New Stories – Encounter Japan Once More. With the Corona disaster and changes in work styles and values for travel, the airline industry is diversifying its needs not only for business travel but also for inbound travel and tourism.
The renewal focuses on the “charms of Japan” that are overlooked in daily life, and aims to create a travel scene that gently lifts the heart.
Prior to the introduction of the new aircraft, the “JAL Application” was revamped on April 15. In pursuit of intuitive operability, necessary information, such as flight information and status, will be integrated on a single screen, enabling smooth and personalized procedures according to each individual’s situation.
The in-flight magazine and in-flight sales style has also been renewed, and in March, in-flight sales were consolidated from in-person to a digital “in-flight sales at home” system.
Starting in May, “JAL SHOP,” which introduces in-flight sales items at home, and “SKYWARD,” the in-flight magazine, will be integrated to reduce environmental impact and revamp the in-flight magazine style for easier understanding. In addition, the magazine will feature special features in line with service themes set every two months, conveying the hidden charms of each region.
In addition, the “Diamond Premier Lounge” at Haneda Airport domestic flights will be reopened as the “JAL First Class Lounge” in the fall of 2026. In addition, the First Class Status member (JGC) counters and security checkpoints will be redesigned to enable baggage inspection without removing liquid items such as PCs and PET bottled beverages.
The lounge name change will be implemented at New Chitose, Itami, Fukuoka, and Naha airports in due course.
© Source travel watch