Japan Airlines is set to unveil a brand-new business class experience on its Boeing 787 fleet, but the question remains: which seat will they choose? The airline's cabin retrofit project with Boeing promises to bring a fresh and improved in-flight experience to its passengers. With a fleet of 55 Boeing 787s and 10 more on order, Japan Airlines is making significant investments in its aircraft's interiors.
The partnership with Boeing will see the interiors of 11 existing 787-9s updated to match the design and configuration of the upcoming 787-9 deliveries. This strategic move aims to create a consistent and modern cabin experience across the entire fleet. While Japan Airlines has not yet disclosed the specific seat design, the focus on cabin upgrades is evident.
Currently, Japan Airlines offers two types of business class seats on its 787-9s. Half of the fleet features the Apex Suites, marketed as Sky Suite II, which provide a 2-2-2 configuration with exceptional comfort and space. These seats are highly regarded as among the best in the world. The other half of the fleet is equipped with Safran Aries seats, marketed as Sky Suite III, which offer a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout but are criticized for their tight seating.
The latest cabin design from Japan Airlines is featured on the Airbus A350-1000, where the airline boasts the Safran Unity seats, known for their superior comfort. This raises speculation about the possibility of installing the Safran Unity seats on the 787s. However, it is uncertain if this will happen, as the 'latest cabins' might refer to the planned designs for the upcoming 787s.
Given Japan Airlines' partnership with Boeing, it is plausible that the airline might opt for the Elevate Ascent seat, a generic reverse herringbone seat with a door specifically designed for the 787. This seat is gaining popularity and has straightforward certification, making it a practical choice. However, the final decision remains unknown.
In summary, Japan Airlines is committed to enhancing its business class offering on the Boeing 787, but the specific seat selection is still a mystery. The airline's collaboration with Boeing and its focus on cabin upgrades indicate a significant improvement in the in-flight experience for its passengers. As the project progresses, we can expect further updates and insights into this exciting development.
