Why did they choose an AIRBUS aircraft? The project team's seven-year challenge

[Behind the Scenes of JAL's Newest Aircraft AIRBUS A350 vol.2] "We focused on 'traditional Japanese beauty'. The development story of aiming for a completely new interior space" is available here

"We can't do things the way we've always done them" - Why Airbus was chosen as a candidate

"I was assigned to this department just as the aircraft selection was being completed, so I'd like to share some stories I've heard from my seniors. First of all, the project began around 2012. We started by choosing an aircraft to replace our flagship Boeing 777, which would be reaching its 20th year in service around 2019. Our company uses an aircraft age of around 20 years as a guideline for updating our aircraft, so we needed to consider updating. We started our consideration earlier than usual because we thought the earlier we made our decision, the sooner we could receive the aircraft when we wanted. Also, starting our consideration early allowed us to carefully compare the equipment of both Boeing and Airbus." (Atsushi Yokota, Aircraft Group, Corporate Strategy Department, Corporate Planning Division)

Boeing and Airbus are the two major manufacturers of large aircraft in the world, but most of the aircraft JAL has used up until now have been from Boeing. There was one reason why Airbus was included as a candidate this time.

"We had once faced bankruptcy, and we felt that we couldn't continue doing things the way we had. We decided to start from scratch, think about our customers, and choose the best products. So we created a preparatory office across organizational boundaries and worked as a team. Once all members were convinced, we reached a consensus within the company." (Yokota)

The A350 was selected based on its economics, advanced features, and timing.

"I'm in charge of deciding the cabin specifications and design, as well as the class configuration and number of seats, but I was in the technical department at the time of the selection. With our previous knowledge and experience, it was difficult for us to understand Airbus' design philosophy at first, but we were moved by their enthusiastic presentation." (Okubo Takahiro, Airport Services and Cabin Specifications Group, Development Department, Product and Service Planning Division)

In fact, most of the airplanes used by major airlines have their interiors finished to order. Although the manufacturer provides samples, it is necessary to solidify the image of the "airplane" that you want to create yourself and verify whether it is feasible before deciding to purchase it.

"When selecting the aircraft, we had to consider things like, if we chose the A350, the number of seats would be this, and the layout of the galley (preparation room for kitchens) and lavatories (restaurants) would be like this according to our company's standards. The biggest factors in our selection were economy, innovation, and timing, but the type of seating arrangement we could use was also a major factor," says Okubo.

Working hand in hand with Airbus, from aircraft specification selection to maintenance

Thus, the decision to introduce the A350 was made in 2013.

"Ueki, our company president (as of 2013), made the final decision. The head of Airbus responded enthusiastically to our wishes." (Okubo)

"When we introduce new aircraft, we need to provide new training for our flight crew and maintenance engineers. After examining the economics of the new aircraft, including the time and effort required, we decided to choose the A350. The enthusiasm of the Airbus staff was also a factor in our decision to choose the A350. We'll be working with them for a long time to come," said Yokota.

When introducing an aircraft, it is important for the manufacturer and airline to work together not only before delivery but also after delivery. The content of the collaboration is wide-ranging, not only for daily maintenance but also for identifying areas for improvement and making improvements.

An impactful device that resembles the transition from a flip phone to a smartphone

The A350 is merely an evolution of conventional airplanes, and is not a completely unknown aircraft. Still, it has the impact of being like a mobile phone going into a smartphone.

"My specialty is flight control, hydraulics, and landing gear, but unlike Boeing aircraft, the A350 is controlled with a side stick rather than a control stick. I also feel that the electronic systems known as avionics, such as system health monitors, are very innovative." (Masato Hiramatsu, System Technology Office, Airbus Group, Technology Department)

It has been four years since the A350's first flight, and its quality is very stable. As with other aircraft, cooperation between our maintenance department and Airbus, the manufacturer, is essential to maintain and improve quality after the aircraft goes into service.

"We have been working with Airbus since the A300-600, which was in operation until 2011, and it is truly the passion between the people that creates the reliability of an aircraft. Our ability will be put to the test in how we can make the world's most reliable A350 while utilizing the knowledge and experience we have gained up to now." (Hiramatsu)

The long-awaited new aircraft has landed in Japan

The A350 landed in Japan for the first time in June 2019. All the members recalled that it was an especially moving experience.

"I saw the actual aircraft for the first time at the factory in April, and when I saw the interior, I thought it was really cool. We received the aircraft in Toulouse, France, and wanted to show it to the Airbus team, who love Japan, so I wore a kimono on the flight to Japan. When we arrived at Haneda and were welcomed by so many employees, I was overwhelmed with a sense of satisfaction that I had worked hard for the past six years." (Okubo)

"I also wanted to go to Toulouse, but I had to stay home (laughs). But when I saw the applause when we welcomed the first aircraft at Haneda, it felt like a new JAL was starting, and it gave me a renewed sense of energy," Yokota said.

Preparations are reaching a climax. Domestic flight operation is a world first.

The new aircraft, which was welcomed with a banner reading "Welcome! New Wings for a New Era," will finally take off into the skies of Japan after about three months of adjustments. With the launch of the service just around the corner, preparations are reaching their final stage. JAL is the first company in the world to operate the A350 on short-distance flights such as domestic routes in Japan, rather than on international routes.

"Because this is an aircraft designed for long-distance international flights, our engineers need to think about how to fly it stably over a short span of time. For example, we installed a brake fan to cool the brakes in the short time between landing and the next takeoff. The flight control system also requires a much higher number of flap operations. In our world, we take it for granted that things will not break, so we want to make use of our past experience and do our utmost to maintain the quality of our equipment while anticipating a variety of situations." (Hiramatsu)

"On the A350, we've equipped every seat with a personal screen and developed a new IFE (in-flight entertainment) system. We're currently preparing for its implementation. This is the first time we'll be using the new system, so we're making fine adjustments to ensure there are no problems and that it's easy for customers to use." (Masaki Matsuzawa Aurélien, Cabin Services Group, Development Department, Product & Service Planning Division)

One of the important tasks in launching a new aircraft is to simulate everything we can do behind the scenes to ensure customer safety and satisfaction. Our goal with the A350 is the world's most reliable aircraft, with no compromise on comfort.

After becoming the best domestic airline in Japan, we aim to become the best international airline in the world

Four years from now, in 2023, international flights will begin, and preparations for this are already nearing completion.

"For international flights, the replacement of flagship aircraft comes once every 20 to 30 years. We have already created such high specifications for domestic flights, so what should international flights be like to surpass them? The hurdles are high (laughs). But we are thinking about what we can do because we are JAL. We currently name JAL's international flights Sky Suite (excluding some routes), but we are aiming to create a new concept to replace this brand and make it even better than domestic flights." (Yokota)

The A350, which incorporates everything possible without compromise, is an aircraft that JAL is proud to send out. On domestic flights, you can enjoy an unprecedentedly comfortable air journey. And the new international specifications are likely to provide an even higher quality experience. Their mission has only just begun. Their passion for the new aircraft does not seem to be cooling down.

Behind the Scenes at JAL

We'll take you behind the scenes of JAL's work, including inside stories on the introduction of the A350 and the development of in-flight meal menus.