• Log in
NewsVoicesExpertsEat & DrinkTravelogueExclusivesTravel TipsPrint IssueVideoOut 100
ADVOCATEOUTPridePLUSADVOCATE CHANNEL
SubscribeSubscriber ServicesEmail Newsletter Signup
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
OutTravelerOutTraveler
Scroll To Top

By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Accept

Japan Airlines Unveils New A350-1000 Interiors

CNN Wire
| 10/03/23
CNN Wire

Japan Airlines Unveils New A350-1000 Interiors


New cabin designs from JAL

Japan Airlines Unveils New A350-1000 Interiors \u2013 The design combines maximum luxury with innovative high-tech features.

PHOTO COURTESY JAPAN AIRLINES

By Karla Cripps, CNN

(CNN) –When an airline places an order for new planes, it’s given a great opportunity to boost its appeal among travelers looking for maximum comfort – particularly where long-haul flights are concerned.

Japan Airlines (JAL) has done just that, this week unveiling the interiors of its high-tech new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, “which will become the airline’s new flagship for international service after nearly 20 years,” the carrier says in a statement.

JAL has ordered 13 of the large, widebody planes from Airbus. The aircraft was originally going to enter service in late November, to be used on the Tokyo (Haneda) to New York (JFK) route.

But that timeline has been postponed “due to a supply chain disruption affecting the delivery of components,” says the statement, which adds the new aircraft will likely take flight “before the end of the year.”

In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek at what travelers will get to experience when they finally do board that new A350-1000.

World’s first headphone-free stereos

Japan Airlines Unveils New A350-1000 Interiors \u2013 The design combines maximum luxury with innovative high-tech features.

PHOTO COURTESY JAPAN AIRLINES

In an age when amenities like showers and private suites are common offerings in commercial aviation, it can be a challenge for an airline to differentiate itself from the competition. This often requires them to offer something unexpected.

In the case of JAL, they’ve eliminated the need for headsets in the front end of the plane.

Both first- and business-class cabins of the new A350-1000s will offer what the airline says is the “world’s first” headphone-free stereo. Passengers can listen to the inflight entertainment system using the seats’ built-in headrest speakers.

The technology, created by French aircraft interior designer Safran in collaboration with audio tech company Devialet, was revealed at last year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany.

CNN Travel’s Francesca Street was there to test them out and had this to say about her experience: They are “no replacement for the cocoon-like experience of noise-canceling headphones, but it’s a comfortable set up and feels more akin to the experience of watching a movie on your couch. It would be perfect if you were flying with someone else and wanted to chat and interact as you watched a movie in tandem.”

First-class cabins

Japan Airlines Unveils New A350-1000 Interiors \u2013 The design combines maximum luxury with innovative high-tech features.

PHOTO COURTESY JAPAN AIRLINES

The Haneda to JFK flight is nearly 13 hours – a lot of time in the sky – meaning passengers with the funds will be tempted by JAL’s slick new first- and business-class suites.

The first-class cabin will feature just six suites – each with a private sliding door – in two rows of three.

That’s two fewer seats than what’s offered in the first-class cabin on the Boeing 777-300ER jets now servicing many of JAL’s long-haul flights.

Privacy and space were key considerations here, with the airline even eliminating overhead compartments. Instead, each suite has increased storage space and a small closet.

First-class passengers have a choice of three seating modes in their suites. There’s the full sofa, a seat/single bed combo and the full double bed.

As for size, each suite wall rises approximately 157 centimeters (62 inches) in height. Seat pitch is approximately 211 centimeters, with a width of around 123 centimeters. The bed stretches out a comfortable 203 centimeters, while each monitor is 41 inches.

Business-class cabins

Japan Airlines Unveils New A350-1000 Interiors \u2013 The design combines maximum luxury with innovative high-tech features.

PHOTO COURTESY JAPAN AIRLINES

The JAL 777-300ER jets currently serving JAL’s long-haul flights have 49 business-class seats. With the new A350-1000, the airline will increase that number to 54, spread over 14 rows in a 1-2-1 configuration.

Despite this jump, JAL says in the statement that “ample spacing has been prioritized to ensure a comfortable and individual inflight experience.”

Among the biggest changes coming are business-class suite doors, offering increased privacy, and the placement of the overhead storage bins, which have been positioned on the window sides only “to create a more open atmosphere,” says JAL.

Size-wise, the suite walls are about 132 centimeters in height and each monitor is 24 inches. Seats have a width of about 56 centimeters, with a pitch of 130 centimeters. When converted into a bed, the length is approximately 198 centimeters.

The airline says special cushioning structures evenly distribute body pressure.

There’s also an electric privacy partition for those traveling with companions and, similar to first-class, additional storage space inside each suite, including a small closet.

Premium and economy cabins

Japan Airlines Unveils New A350-1000 Interiors \u2013 The design combines maximum luxury with innovative high-tech features.

PHOTO COURTESY JAPAN AIRLINES

A common question among travelers: is it worth paying the extra for premium economy? Is there really that big of a difference?

In an effort to take away the need for speculation, JAL is pulling out a few new stops. For instance, its adding large partitions between the 24 seats in its premium economy cabin, which will be laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration.

It’s also “the first premium economy class in the world to introduce electrically operated reclining functionality,” says the airline.

The seat width in this section is about 48 centimeters, with a pitch of 107 centimeters.

There’s also an electric leg rest that can be adjusted to sit horizontally for extra comfort.

As for entertainment, the new 4K monitors are 16 inches – 1.3 times larger than the current model, says the airline.

And that just leaves economy class. It’s worth noting that JAL was awarded the “Best Economy Class Airline Seat” five years in a row at the annual Skytrax “World Airline Awards.”

These new A350-1000s are likely a reflection of the airline’s goal to keep winning that title. JAL says in the statement it “has further enhanced the spacious legroom and improved the seating for enhanced comfort.”

Each of the plane’s 155 Recaro-designed economy-class seats has a width of about 46 centimeters – the top end of the industry average – and a pitch of 84-86 centimeters. They are set up in a 3-3-3 configuration over 18 rows.

Meanwhile, the 4k inflight monitors in this cabin are 13 inches and have Bluetooth connectivity, allowing passengers to use their own headsets while enjoying the inflight entertainment system.

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Latest Stories

sexy shirtless man on the beach
beaches
Badge
gallery

Top 10 LGBTQ+ beach towns perfect for Pride and summer fun

June 05 2025 1:54 PM
​Travel writer Alan Diamond says the nhow London is the city's coolest hotel
London
Badge
gallery

Checking out: nhow London, the city’s coolest hotel

June 02 2025 8:45 AM
The incomparable Lady Bunny and her unnamed date
Drag
Badge
gallery

Wilderness, woods, and Wigstock: Drag icons light up the Catskills

May 28 2025 12:17 PM
Christian Cooper shares his story in Better Living Through Birding, his 2023 memoir
Interview
Badge
gallery

Out and About with Christian Cooper

May 28 2025 11:07 AM
Megan Thee Stallion serves anime energy and spicy ramen realness in her Airbnb Original experience
Travel Tips
Badge
gallery

More than a stay: Airbnb’s latest release is built for the way we travel today

May 16 2025 10:27 AM
29th Annual New York City Dyke March June 2021
Pride
Badge
gallery

Lesbian Pride: Here's every Dyke March in the U.S. in 2025

May 14 2025 7:44 AM
The Tryst Puerto Vallarta grand opening.
Puerto Vallarta
Badge
gallery

The Tryst Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination for gays to embrace their worst behavior

May 02 2025 4:18 PM
'Boys! Boys! Boys!' debuts new podcast
Events
Badge
gallery

'Boys! Boys! Boys!' debuts new podcast

May 01 2025 5:03 PM
Cobblestones, castles, and culture: Your LGBTQ+ guide to Edinburgh
Travel Guides
Badge
gallery

Cobblestones, castles, and culture: Your LGBTQ+ guide to Edinburgh

April 30 2025 12:44 PM
My magical and affordable escape to Portugal
Travelogue
Badge
gallery

My magical and affordable escape to Portugal

April 25 2025 6:08 PM
EDC Weekend Desert Days takes over Sin City with Ultra Load: The Gay Village
Las Vegas
Badge
gallery

EDC Weekend Desert Days hits Sin City with Ultra Load

April 25 2025 4:27 PM
Cathay Pacific redefines luxury with its new Aria Suites and Hong Kong International Airport lounges
Airlines
Badge
gallery

Cathay Pacific expands its reach with inaugural Dallas to Hong Kong route and a new level of luxury

April 24 2025 5:00 PM
A portion of the sales of the Rainbow Shortbread and Pride Millionaire's Shortbread go to support LGBTQ+ causes
Food
Badge
gallery

Pride-themed Easter shortbread treats!

April 14 2025 11:13 AM
French Polynesia doesn’t need Pride flags to earn its place on every LGBTQ+ bucket list
Print Issue
Badge
gallery

French Polynesia doesn’t need Pride flags to earn its place on every LGBTQ+ bucket list

April 07 2025 11:16 AM
Karan Soni stars in "A Nice Indian Boy," in theaters starting April 4
Interview
Badge
gallery

Out and About with Karan Soni

April 04 2025 8:00 AM
NYC's famed Times Square
Travel Guides
Badge
gallery

Broadway bound: The best hotels in NYC’s Theater District for every type of traveler

April 03 2025 2:42 PM
The Charles Hotel in Pacific Grove, California; gay interior designer Charles Gruwell
California
Badge
gallery

The Charles is Pacific Grove's new LGBTQ+ hotel

March 28 2025 7:07 PM
Edie © Jane Hilton; Justin Anz, Ranch Hand, Olney, Texas © Jane Hilton; Mirage © Jane Hilton; Pate Meinzer, Cowboy, Benjamin, Texas © Jane Hilton
Photography
Badge
gallery

Cowboys & Queens U.S. tour by Jane Hilton: A modern American dream

March 27 2025 5:00 AM
Lough Eske Castle, a Bubble Dome at Finn Lough; a suite at The Merrion Hotel
Travel Guides
Badge
gallery

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

March 17 2025 11:52 AM
Discover why chic Costa Navarino should be your next luxury European getaway
Greece
Badge
gallery

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

March 10 2025 5:00 AM

Trending stories

Love bombing 101 and how to break out of a toxic relationship

I'm 42, gay, never had a bf, and hate apps. What do I do?

This HIV Long-Term Survivor Day, listen to this leader from God's Love, We Deliver

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

Aussie tennis star Daria Kasatkina announces engagement to figure skating girlfriend

Everyone knew Pee-wee, but few knew Paul Reubens. His sister talks about her very private brother

Guerdy Abraira reveals where she stands with Julia Lemigova ahead of 'RHOM' season 7

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

VIDEO: A man living with HIV discusses his journey to fatherhood

Rachel Levine fought HIV & STIs at HHS. Now she’s speaking out because that progress is being undone

Queer TikTok rallies around anti-ICE L.A. protests with support and resources

Sam Rockwell talks 'White Lotus' monologue prep, S.F. sex club, and meeting Harvey Milk

Grindr is reminding us why jockstraps are so sexy and iconic

Sweet Pride Alabama: Celebrating LGBTQ+ lives in the Deep South

LGBTQ+ inclusion in mainstream movies reaches 3-year low, study finds

Simone Biles apologizes to transphobe but calls for 'empathy and respect' on issue of trans athletes

Why lesbian Rep. Angie Craig says she's ‘ready for the fight’ in her run to be Minnesota’s next U.S. senator

Hundreds rallying at Supreme Court demand Trump return disappeared gay asylum-seeker Andry Hernández Romero

Vico Ortiz shares how creating their solo show unearthed their earliest trans moments

Who gets to tell the story of Félix González-Torres?

Joe Locke warns that his twink death is imminent

Trump admin guts $258 million in funding for HIV vaccine research

Recommended Stories for You

Cooper Koch reveals two failed auditions to play Menendez brother—here's who beat him

Ricky Martin delivers showstopping performance for 2024 World AIDS Day

Jess King is here to help you live your happiest, healthiest life yet

Tennessee AG: It was God's will for him to defend gender-affirming care ban at Supreme Court

Cartoon Network slayed the anti-Pride trolls in their own comments

Advocates FYI

Orville Peck cast in live-action 'Street Fighter' film with Jason Momoa

BREAKING NEWS: Trump admin moves to end federal HIV prevention programs

Transphobic bully Riley Gaines doesn't deserve an apology from Simone Biles

About Us

11 popular Bible passages translated into Polari—a secret gay language

Two series from The Advocate Channel launch on Hulu

These celebrities are reacting to the anti-ICE L.A. protests

Talk to us: How has marriage equality impacted your life?

The Talk Season 5 premieres this spring with HIV guidance for the newly diagnosed

Celebrating Black History Month with our annual African American issue

U.S. Rep. Sorensen sticks up for Harvey Milk in hearing with Navy secretary

Supreme Court to rule on two cases that could reshape access to health care for LGBTQ+ people

Video

50+ photos of unapologetic queer joy and rebellion at WorldPride 2025 rally and march

Watch this drag queen give a master class on dealing with anti-LGBTQ+ protesters

The Advocates Team

Twenty years on, 'The Comeback's Valerie Cherish remains the patron saint of queer resistance

Josie Totah slams 'demonic' first date idea no one should ever suggest

CNN Wire

Read Full Bio