The focus was on "traditional Japanese beauty." The development story behind the goal of creating a completely new interior space

[Behind the Scenes of JAL's Newest Aircraft AIRBUS A350 vol.1] "Why did they choose an AIRBUS aircraft? The project team's seven-year challenge" article is here

Aiming for a one-of-a-kind JAL-specification aircraft with Airbus' "Japan-loving team"

In 2013, it was decided that the Airbus A350 would be JAL's next flagship aircraft. JAL and Airbus worked together to start developing a "JAL-specification aircraft." This did not stop at the core of the aircraft, such as aircraft performance and safety, but also extended to passenger comfort and ease of use, including seat layout and comfort equipment. In fact, most of the interior equipment was developed exclusively for JAL.

Let's talk to members of the project team about each of these. First, the spacious interior space. JAL's past experience played a part in making this happen.

"For example, we created a U-shaped layout by placing the lavatory (restroom) and galley (kitchen) next to each other at the rear of the cabin, and by using a small galley for domestic flights that is unique to JAL in the center of the cabin, we were able to create a larger cabin space." (Okubo Takahiro, Airport Services and Cabin Specifications Group, Development Department, Product and Service Planning Division)

Furthermore, the overhead compartment above the passenger seats has a large capacity, but this means it is heavy to open and close, which places a strain on cabin attendants and passengers alike. For this reason, an electrically assisted mechanism has been adopted to assist with opening and closing the compartment.

In order to achieve customer satisfaction, it is necessary to make big efforts to realize small ideas

"We negotiated with Airbus many times before incorporating this mechanism. At first, they would say it was difficult, but if we explained it clearly and logically, Airbus would say, 'Well, if you insist,' and ultimately comply with our request." (Okubo)

Although there were sometimes heated discussions, the atmosphere was always friendly and the teamwork was excellent.

"Airbus has many cabin attendants, and many of them are actually big fans of Japan. They were happy to receive Japanese items and food as souvenirs. Apparently, one of their children, born during the project, was named Hanae-chan." (Okubo)

For an airline, the goal is not just to realize an idea, but to maintain it.

"Increasing functions also means an increase in the number of causes for trouble. In the unlikely event of a malfunction or breakdown, it must be repaired within the short 40 to 50 minutes between landing and departure for a domestic flight. Establishing a maintenance system that reliably meets customer expectations is a major challenge for us in the maintenance department." (Masato Hiramatsu, System Technology Office, Airbus Group, Technology Department)

Working with cutting-edge design companies to create interior spaces with a Japanese flair

The interior design was entrusted to British design company Tangerine. Based on the theme of traditional Japanese beauty, they used the brand colors of black, gray, and red to create a chic, unified interior space.

"It's been a long time since we designed the interior of the entire plane for domestic routes, since the Boeing 777 was introduced in 1996. Compared to renovating an aircraft after its introduction, the scope of what can be done is wider, so we wanted to entrust the job to a design company that is worthy of leading the new era, and we created a design concept for the interior that would give a JAL feel the moment you board." (Okubo)

Most of the seats are of international flight specifications.

The seats in each class are also carefully designed. The first class seats are equipped with massage functions and are fully custom-made, exclusive to JAL.

"We developed it almost from scratch in collaboration with the Japanese seat manufacturer Jamco, even down to the angle of the seat. In addition to traditional values such as privacy and seating comfort, we thought we might as well add a new function, and so we adopted an electric massage function. This is not common around the world, but we thought Japanese customers would love it." (Okubo)

The aim was to focus on essential quality rather than extravagant decoration. The Class J and regular seats, which are made by German seat manufacturer Recaro, offer more legroom than ever before, and are sure to impress with their comfort.

"We use seats that are a size thicker than the slim seats on domestic flights, and are comparable to those on international flights," said Okubo.

"Once you actually step inside, you really feel that the cabin has a new atmosphere. The JAL crane logo that greets passengers on board is something that was created after many twists and turns." (Atsushi Yokota, Aircraft Materials Group, Corporate Strategy Department, Corporate Planning Division)

Introducing personal monitors to all seats on domestic flights is a big decision

Not only the interior design, but also the in-flight entertainment system (IFE) was created from scratch. This was the first time that JAL had installed personal screens on all seats on domestic flights. We already have a service that allows customers to access free in-flight Wi-Fi and enjoy videos on their smartphones or tablets, but we have taken it a step further and made it possible for anyone to watch popular movies and magazines on a larger screen.

"After selecting the specifications, it was a big decision to introduce personal screens. Many people questioned whether such a service was really needed on domestic flights, but we persuaded those around us with our desire to make this flagship aircraft the best domestic aircraft, and we finally managed to introduce the service. I made a wish and grew a beard for the six months leading up to the decision, and by the time the decision was made internally I looked like a Sengoku warlord (laughs). My favorite content is the footage from the external camera, which also lets you see the aircraft you are riding on." (Okubo)

The system was developed in collaboration with Panasonic, resulting in a completely new interface that was developed in-house.

Various ideas to allow people to enjoy movies on domestic flights

"I worked as a flight attendant before being transferred to my current department, and I have been involved in this project for about a year and a half. My mission is to think about how to utilize the IFE and what kind of entertainment to include. One of the ideas that came up was movies. However, there is a high chance that passengers will not be able to finish watching during the short flight time of a domestic flight. So, in case they don't finish watching, an eight-digit code is displayed, and by entering this on the return flight, they can continue watching." (Masaki Matsuzawa Aurélien, Cabin Services Group, Development Department, Product & Service Planning Division)

We also paid special attention to ease of use. Not only is the design simple and easy to understand, but we also put a lot of thought into the fine details.

"We thought up operability from scratch so that it would be intuitive for all generations. We also placed call buttons and light on/off switches, which were previously installed on the armrests, on touch panels to prevent them being pressed by mistake, and we also incorporated small touches such as displaying seat numbers in the top right corner of each screen to make it easier for customers to find their seats when boarding. However, because the IFE is linked to various systems, it can take more than six months to make changes to the design or operation. Development is carried out in the United States, but each time we have to go there to check the receipt before inspection and then place the order... this requires time-consuming adjustments." (Matsuzawa)

Come experience the comfort of our A350 and the passion of our team on board.

"Flagship models change only once every 20 to 30 years. I was really happy to have had the opportunity to be involved in such a unique project." (Okubo)
Thanks to the team's attitude of "Let's create new value from scratch" and "Don't compromise on what we can do," the interior of the A350 was finished with unprecedented quality. And finally, in September 2019, it will take to the skies of Japan. If you have the opportunity to board, you may be able to experience not only the high quality of the aircraft, but also the passion of the team.

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.