Japan Airlines (JAL) is following the lead of airlines in other mature markets by revamping its domestic business class offering through the introduction of a new lower-priced product that comes with fewer amenities.
"The streamlined, more competitive new domestic service is being introduced as a result of a recent survey that showed that domestic business travellers put comfort and reasonable cost before extensive in-flight meal and refreshment services," says JAL.
Known as "Class J", the new lower-priced product will replace JAL's "Superseat" domestic business class offering that is available on four types of widebody aircraft.
The number of business class seats will be greatly increased alongside the introduction of a new seat designed by GK Industrial Design of Japan on around 70 domestic aircraft. Seat pitch will be 37in (94cm), compared with the existing 39in in business class and the 31in featured on regular domestic economy class.
JAL ticket prices will be cut upon the introduction of the new Class J product. Surcharges of between ¥3,200 ($30) and ¥4,200 on regular domestic economy full fares will be cut to a flat rate of ¥1,000. Meals and complimentary alcoholic drinks will no longer be served.
On the airline's Boeing 747-400s the number of business class seats will be increased to 80 from 24; on Boeing 777s the number will increase to 62 from 12-18; on Boeing 767s there will be 30 business class seats instead of 16; and on Airbus A300-600Rs, which are operated by Japan Air System, business class seating will increase to 34 from 12.
Source: Airline Business
