Japan Airlines will begin operating the Airbus A350-1000 for its international flights in its winter schedule starting October 29, Aviationwire reports. This model, of which they will receive 13 aircraft, will replace the Boeing 777-300ERs.
It will be the first time in 19 years that the Japanese airline has revamped its flagship aircraft, debuting new cabin products and introducing it on the carrier’s most prestigious routes from Tokyo Haneda (HND), such as London – Heathrow (LHR) and New York (JFK) in order to capture the corporate market.
In 2013, Japan Airlines placed its first Airbus A350 order to replace its Boeing 777 fleet for its domestic and international flights. In total, the company ordered 18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s with 25 purchase options.
The first A350-900 arrived at the company in September 2019 and so far the company has taken delivery of 16 units, but this model is currently used exclusively in the domestic market.
By this year, Japan Airlines will take delivery of two A350-1000s and expects to have nine units in its fleet by the end of 2025. The remaining four aircraft will be delivered by 2028, and will gradually replace the 777-300ERs.
With this fleet renewal plan, the airline expects to reduce its carbon emissions and fuel consumption. In addition, it will be able to reduce operating and maintenance costs.
Japan Airlines’ A350-1000s will be equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and has selected Michelin as its tire supplier.
