Inside JAL's Landmark A350-1000 International Experience

Last updated: September 3, 2026

The highly anticipated launch of the Airbus A350-1000 in early 2024 marked a major milestone for Japan Airlines, as it became the airline's new international top-of-the-line aircraft. A host of improvements have been brought to the in-flight experience across every cabin, with highlights including 4K entertainment screens at every seat, greater privacy, and Bluetooth audio.

The development of JAL’s A350-1000 cabin was the result of a fully integrated approach that included customer needs and market trends, with every decision being made with three core concepts in mind: 'the ultimate in relaxation and comfort', 'concierge service in the sky', and 'a sustainable experience created together with our customers'. Here, we look at how JAL has brought those concepts to life through its standout seats, meals, entertainment, and amenities.

First Class

Seat

First Class travel should be an uncompromising experience, and JAL's A350-1000 delivers on every front. Within the privacy and comfort of your own personal suite, your seat offers three adjustable modes: sofa, seat, and double bed, allowing you to tailor your experience to your needs and evoking the feel of an expansive living room or a relaxing bedroom. Either way, immense rest and enjoyment are virtually guaranteed. Additionally, the seat can be arranged so passengers can face each other, with seating for up to three people during the flight, making conversations and meetings a comfortable option.

In addition to the thoughtful seating options, the JAL A350-1000 also brings you the world's first headrest-mounted speakers. Featuring high-quality speakers, it's now possible to enjoy in-flight entertainment without wearing headphones. Of course, for anyone who prefers to escape into headphones, the seat also includes Bluetooth audio connectivity and wired headphone jacks, compatible with the provided Bang & Olufsen noise-canceling headphones or your own listening device.

Meal and drinks

Continuing this uncompromising First Class experience, renowned chef Hideki Ishikawa — behind Tokyo's three-Michelin-starred Ishikawa restaurant — and chef Kouji Koizumi of two-Michelin-starred Kohaku have supervised the creation of the in-flight Japanese cuisine. Together, they shape the best-quality dining experience in the First Class cabin, with both chefs' restaurants inspired by the simple concept of being both tasty and comfortable. International cuisine is supervised by Chef Shuzo Kishida of "Quintessence," located in Gotenyama, Shinagawa. Chef Kishida, whose restaurant continuously earns Michelin stars, brings his relentless dedication to quality to the in-flight menu, including his uncompromising approach to serving temperatures, allowing you to enjoy spectacular dishes rich in both aroma and flavor.

For those seeking vegan and vegetarian cuisine, an equally special dining experience awaits. Designed by Fumio Yonezawa – the owner-chef of Tokyo's acclaimed No Code restaurant – this delicious alternative meal features dishes such as spiced roasted carrots, sweet pea soup with coconut and mint, and stuffed cabbage rolls with mushrooms and white kidney beans. Healthy and sustainable, this menu is served in a course-style format. 

The First Class beverage program is also world-class, featuring fine wines from around the globe hand-picked by JAL wine advisor, world-renowned wine taster, and wine director Okoshi Motohiro. Expect prestigious pours from Salon, Billecart-Salmon, and more.

Entertainment and amenities

Entertainment has been reimagined in First Class, with your private suite featuring a captivating 43-inch 4K monitor that delivers exceptional video quality. Supported by the world's first built-in headrest speaker system and a tablet remote for stress-free control, expect the ultimate in-flight entertainment experience.

Your suite also features wireless charging pads for your smart devices, as well as USB Type-A/Type-C ports and AC power outlets.  Wi-Fi is free and unlimited for First Class travelers. So, whether you're spending your time in the air seeking entertainment or getting down to business, a best-in-class encounter awaits. 

The in-flight features and amenities don't stop there, with the First Class room also including a wardrobe and mirror for storing belongings, plus 100% cotton loungewear by Japanese design studio, nendo. There's additional storage for two pieces of luggage under the ottoman, while the absence of overhead storage racks creates an impressive 93-inch (237-centimeter) ceiling height, creating a distinct sense of openness amid a stress-free environment.

Business Class

Seat

Business Class pairs luxury and functionality to set a new standard of comfort on the A350-1000. Every Business Class passenger has their own private suite, offering best-in-class privacy, alongside several thoughtful innovations. The suite’s translucent sliding door, inspired by traditional shoji screens, and privacy partition between adjacent suites combine to create a serene environment, allowing you to spend your time on board however you wish. 

With a seat that reclines to a fully flat position, a mattress topper, a full-size pillow, and a duvet, getting a stellar sleep is never a problem. And with a digital communication panel positioned at the entrance to your private space, it's easy to select 'Do Not Disturb' to ensure a peaceful flight.

Meal and drinks

Just like First Class, the food and beverage program in Business Class features chef-designed meals prepared with exceptional skill and the finest seasonal ingredients. With menus varying by route, highlights include the Japanese cuisine of Chef Jun Mishima, the chef-owner of Michelin-starred Ginza's much-loved Ren Mishina restaurant, where you can expect dishes like Ren's special curry or wagyu simmered in dashi broth with soy sauce. 

For international cuisine, the menu has been shaped by Chef Shinobu Namae — the pioneering chef behind Tokyo's three-Michelin-starred L'Effervescence. An incredible complement to any journey, your options could include mains like beef fillet steak with two-color red wine and wasabi sauce, followed by a strawberry and sakura mousse for dessert. 

Meanwhile, Chef Natsuko Shoji of  "été" — a restaurant that showcases the brilliance of Japanese craftsmanship through visually stunning dishes — supervises the Western set menus for First Class and Business Class on routes from Tokyo to Europe and North America. 

Chef Shoji's exclusive restaurant welcomes VIPs from around the globe and accepts only one reservation per day. Together with the JAL team, she has infused her unique culinary essence to create a special, limited-edition menu available only on board JAL flights. Previously named "Asia's Best Female Chef" and "Asia's Best Pastry Chef" by the World's 50 Best Restaurants (and the only chef to hold this double distinction), expect Shoji's menus to be an absolute delight.

The drinks are equally impressive, with several medal winners from the International Wine Challenge included in the lineup. Mark your journey with a glass of Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve, or explore an extensive range of acclaimed Japanese sakes, featuring prominent seasonal brands from across Japan.

Entertainment and amenities

The entertainment system in Business Class offers a stellar experience, with every seat featuring a 24-inch 4K screen. Like First Class, your Business Class seat also includes the world's first built-in speaker system, free and unlimited Wi-Fi, and noise-canceling headphones developed in partnership with Audio-Technica. Of course, you can also connect with your personal headphones via Bluetooth.

JAL-exclusive loungewear from UCHINO, a leading Japanese textile manufacturer, is available for use during the flight, as are comfortable cardigans for those wishing to add another warm layer on board. Next to your 4K screen is a sliding door for hanging your jacket or coat, while wireless charging pads, AC power outlets, and USB ports adorn your suite, ensuring your journey with us is a breeze.

Premium Economy Class

Seat and entertainment

JAL's Premium Economy on board the A350-1000 is the best it's ever been. Bringing numerous improvements, the seat pitch has been adjusted to ensure ample legroom, and the shell-type seat back design means everyone in Premium Economy can recline their seats without disturbing their neighbors. Now with an electronic reclining function — a world-first for Premium Economy Class — smoothly adjusting the backrest and legrest is hassle-free at the touch of a button. 

Seats in Premium Economy Class also feature a privacy partition that opens and closes quickly to provide greater consideration for each traveler's personal space, now also including a privacy wing next to the headrest on the aisle side. Each seat features a cocktail table with a fold-out extension, with a storage compartment and charging ports in the armrest.

In-flight entertainment in Premium Economy Class is headlined by 16-inch 4K screens at every seat, with noise-canceling headphones available for use. As with all classes, travelers can also connect their own headphones via Bluetooth. Guests in Premium Economy Class enjoy one hour of complimentary Wi-Fi, so you can send and receive texts, browse the web, or scroll through social media during your flight, with extended Wi-Fi packages available for purchase.

Meal and drink

Dining in Premium Economy continues to showcase the best of Japanese cuisine, with JAL collaborating with top chefs from Japan's esteemed RED U-35 culinary competition. With the goal of showcasing the next generation of outstanding chefs, in-flight menus are dedicated to "Delicious!" — the theme that shapes a special umami-themed selection crafted by JAL's STAN chefs.

In addition, Premium Economy Class passengers have access to a snack service featuring delicious cup noodles, Udon de Sky, available from cabin attendants upon request. The beverage program features +81, an original wine series curated by JAL wine advisor Motohiro Okoshi. Versatile and delicious, both red and white varieties pair wonderfully with any meal.

Economy Class

Seat and entertainment

When traveling with JAL, the comfort of Economy Class is unmatched. For six years running, Japan Airlines has received the 'Best Economy Class Airline Seats' award from SKYTRAX — the organization behind the World Airline Awards. And the experience has only improved with the A350-1000. With the backrest angle one inch lower than conventional seats, this slight adjustment makes for a noticeably more relaxing experience during takeoff and landing.

The everyday basics have also been improved. For example, the seat pocket is divided into left and right sides for more convenient storage, whether you're storing a water bottle or your electronics. And its mesh construction makes it easy to find your items at a glance, and you’re less likely to forget any belongings when disembarking. 

The Economy Class entertainment system is also impressive, featuring 13-inch 4K screens that make the latest blockbuster films and television shows an immersive experience. A storage space directly below the screen is perfect for a book or other personal items.

Bluetooth connectivity is also available for use with your own headphones, and all seats have access to AC power outlets and USB Type-A and Type-C ports. And if you want to access the web, send emails, or browse social media, passengers in Economy Class can enjoy one hour of free Wi-Fi during their flight, with extended packages available for purchase in flight.

Meal and drink

JAL's Economy Class meal service is a highlight. Like Premium Economy, passengers enjoy cuisine from RED U-35, a cooking competition to discover the next generation of leading Japanese chefs. The in-flight menu — dedicated to "Delicious!" is produced by JAL's STAN chefs and offers a sumptuous selection of umami-focused cuisine.

The beverage program features red and white wines from +81, making for a delightful addition to your meal. Crafted under the guidance of JAL wine advisor Motohiro Okoshi, both options offer a harmonious blend of rich, fruity flavors and aromas, perfect to enjoy throughout your journey. 

You're also welcome to explore the Sky Oasis self-service snack corner, which offers a variety of sweet and savory options to treat yourself. 

Find flights and book

Now operating seven daily flights to five destinations, Japan Airlines has introduced the A350-1000, enabling it to achieve an even higher standard of international travel. Serving routes from Tokyo (Haneda) to New York (JFK), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), London (LHR), and Paris (CDG), this reimagined on-board experience is JAL's most modern and comfortable to date.

Find your next flight and book an unforgettable journey.