For many years, Japan Airlines offered its First Class cabin exclusively on the Boeing 777-300ER. But with the launch of the Airbus A350-1000 in early 2024, a second First Class product has entered the skies. So, on which routes can travelers experience this elevated service? In this article, we explore the current Japan Airlines First Class routes and destinations.

About Japan Airlines First Class

For a long time, international First Class was only available aboard Japan Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. While that product is starting to show its age, it still competes with some of the world’s best First Class experiences, especially when it comes to service and cuisine.

JAL’s First Class suite on the B777-300ER (Source: JAL)

The global trend among premium airlines has shifted toward fully enclosed suites, and Japan Airlines is following suit. By 2028, the airline plans to replace all 13 of its Boeing 777-300ERs with 13 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. As of February 2025, Japan Airlines has introduced 9 Airbus A350-1000s into its fleet and has begun phasing out the older 777-300ERs.

A New Era: First Class on the A350-1000

With the arrival of the A350-1000, Japan Airlines has unveiled an all-new First Class product. Introduced in October 2023, this new suite features six private cabins arranged in a 1-1-1 layout. It is the first generation of Japan Airlines cabins to include sliding doors for enhanced privacy.

JAL’s First Class suite on the A350-1000 (Source: JAL)

The suite walls stand 157 cm (about 5 ft 2 in) high, offering excellent privacy. Manufactured by Safran, the seat is 123 cm (about 48 in) wide and divided into two sections, allowing a variety of seating and sleeping configurations. The wider section transforms into a 203 cm (about 6 ft 8 in) long bed, while the narrower part can remain as a seat—or, when laid flat together, the two sections form a spacious double bed.

Additional amenities include a personal wardrobe, a mini-bar, a tablet for controlling the inflight entertainment system, and built-in headrest speakers that eliminate the need for headphones. The entertainment screen spans 24 inches diagonally.

Note: The Airbus A350-1000 should not be confused with the A350-900, which Japan Airlines uses exclusively on domestic routes within Japan.

All Japan Airlines First Class Routes

Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan’s second-largest airline after All Nippon Airways, operates hubs at both Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita. From these airports, JAL flies to destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. First Class in its international configuration is currently available on the following routes:

Boeing 777-300ER Routes:

JAL’s B777-300ER routes with their older first class cabin (Source: GCMap.com)

Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Paris (CDG)
Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Helsinki (HEL) (late March through late September 2025)
Tokyo Haneda (HND) – San Francisco (SFO) (early March through late October 2025)
Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Los Angeles (LAX)
Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Chicago (ORD)
Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Sydney (SYD) (until late March 2025)
Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Singapore (SIN) (starting late October 2025)
Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Bangkok (BKK)

Airbus A350-1000 Routes:

JAL’s A350-1000 routes with their newer first class (Source: GCMap.com)

Currently, the only A350 First Class routes are between Tokyo and New York, and Tokyo and Dallas. London is set to be added next.

Tokyo Haneda (HND) – London (LHR)
Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Paris (CDG) (early May through late October 2025)
Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Singapore (SIN) (until late March 2025)
Tokyo Haneda (HND) – New York (JFK)
Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Dallas (DFW)

While the number of A350-1000 First Class routes remains limited for now, this will likely grow over time. Some flights on these routes may still be operated by aircraft without First Class cabins, so it’s worth checking the aircraft type and seat map in advance.

This article focuses only on international First Class routes; Japan Airlines also offers domestic First Class services, which are not covered here.

Booking Japan Airlines First Class with Miles

As a member of the Oneworld Alliance, Japan Airlines award flights can be booked not only through its own frequent flyer program, Mileage Bank, but also via other Oneworld programs. Unlike some other carriers like Lufthansa or Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines does not restrict award seat availability for partners.

First Class awards on JAL can be booked using miles from programs such as British Airways Avios, American AAdvantage, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, or Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. We’ll explore which mileage programs offer the best value for different routes in an upcoming article.

Conclusion

Until recently, Japan Airlines’ First Class cabin was available only on the Boeing 777-300ER. Since January 2024, the new First Class product on the Airbus A350-1000 has begun flying, offering a refined and luxurious experience that will gradually replace the older model. Japan Airlines remains committed to offering First Class service and will continue to feature this premium cabin on key routes to major cities across Europe, the United States, and Australia in the years ahead.