Airbus Debuts Japan Airlines' First A350

May 01, 2019

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2 min read

Airbus Debuts Japan Airlines' First A350

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We got our first peek at Japan Airlines' first Airbus A350-900 when it rolled out of a hangar in Toulouse, France on Tuesday.

This is Japan Airlines' first-ever Airbus aircraft. The airline's fleet is currently composed of 167 Boeing aircraft and has only ever operated Boeing or McDonnell Douglas aircraft (which was absorbed by Boeing in 1997).

Decked out in standard JAL livery, a large "Airbus A350" is also emblazoned on the A350's fuselage to celebrate the aircraft manufacturer's relationship with JAL.

Japan Airlines first A350-900. Image courtesy of F. Lancelot / Master Films / Airbus.

JAL has ordered 31 A350s, including 18 A350-900s and 13 of the larger A350-1000s.

An Airbus release says the aircraft will first operate on major domestic routes and will feature a three-class configuration that seats 369 passengers. Its inaugural route will be from Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Fukuoka (FUK).

Airways Magazine speculates that the aircraft will feature 12 first class seats, 94 business class seats and 263 economy seats. However it's possible JAL installs a premium economy cabin instead of first class seats.

JAL's A350s will round out its fleet of 25 Boeing 787-8s and 11 Boeing 787-9s, both of which are known as fuel efficient long-haul aircraft.