Japan Airlines Introduces the A350-1000: A Grand Entrance
Japan Airlines is taking gigantic leaps in updating its long-haul fleet, and in a surprising yet exciting twist, it’s trading its Boeing 777-300ERs for the sleek Airbus A350-1000s. Now, if you enjoy a top-notch flying experience as much as I do, you’ll appreciate this transition. The A350 is nothing short of dreamy when it comes to flying, and with its revamped passenger amenities, it’s capturing hearts and miles in equal measure.
I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Japan Airlines’ revamped A350 first and business class, and let me tell you, they didn’t disappoint. Both are top-tier experiences you’ve got to try if you’re ever cashing in your miles. Interested in the ins and outs of redeeming miles? You can check out the nitty-gritty here.
Where Can You Catch an A350-1000 Flight?
So, where do these sky-high vessels go, you ask? Currently, there are five luck-drenched destinations serving this marvel, each a wonderful stop across North America and Europe.
However, don’t confuse these A350-1000s with the A350-900s, which are strictly for Japan’s domestic routes with completely different setups. Apples and oranges, folks!
Fleet Progress: Inch by Inch to Full Strength
As for the progress update, Japan Airlines has already welcomed 10 out of the 13 A350-1000s to their clan. Here’s a quick peek at the delivery timeline for these aerial titans:
- JA01WJ: Made the trip from Toulouse to Tokyo on Dec 14, 2023
- JA02WJ: Arrived on Jan 13, 2024
- JA03WJ: Touched down on Mar 30, 2024
- JA04WJ: Completed the journey on Jul 31, 2024
- JA05WJ: Landed on Aug 10, 2024
- JA06WJ: Showed up on Oct 2, 2024
- JA08WJ: Joined the party on Dec 6, 2024
- JA09WJ: Arrived on Jan 29, 2025
- JA07WJ: Touched base on Apr 23, 2025
- JA10WJ: Cruised in on Jul 17, 2025
All 13 won’t complete their migration until 2028, but fret not; these beauties are clipping at a quick pace, with 10 in their stable already in just about 19 months.
Looking beyond the horizon to see when the rest might join? Well, they’re expecting to wrap up their ‘Japan 2025 fiscal year’ with 11 A350-1000s by March 31, 2026. Just one more on the way in the next eight months, folks. Things are slowing down a tad.
Flight Routes: Mapping Out Your Journey
In the world of air travel, the A350-1000 is making daily appearances to an exciting array of destinations. Let’s check the routes to these global hotspots:
- New York (JFK): Daily, with JL6 leaving Tokyo at 11:05 AM and JL4 departing at 6:30 PM. Flights come back as JL5 and JL3.
- Los Angeles (LAX): One frequency daily. JL16 jets off Tokyo at 5:00 PM, back via JL15.
- Dallas (DFW): Daily flights going with JL12 at 10:55 AM, returning as JL11.
- London (LHR): Twice daily routes; JL43 is your morning flight out. JL44 brings you home.
- Paris (CDG): Flying every other day, but picks up daily between Jul 27 – Sep 30, 2025. JL45 and JL46 for your travel needs.
The Grand Finale: Parting Thoughts
Japan Airlines’ introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 shines with promise as it soars across the skies to beloved cities like New York, LA, Dallas, London, and Paris. If chance or wanderlust presents the opportunity to fly aboard one of these aircraft, grab it with both hands.
Your take: What are your thoughts on Japan Airlines’ A350-1000 roll-out?