Cover and all images below are from Japan Airlines (JAL)
Japan Airlines (JAL) will renew its services across its domestic Japan network through the end of the year and into 2027– both inflight and on the ground. These service upgrades include the expansion of First Class services on flights within Japan, and the renovation of the North Wing Lounge at Tokyo Haneda Airport.
Under the new domestic service concept outlined in the JAL Group Management Vision 2035, the airline group expects to take delivery of the first, new Boeing 737-8 (737 MAX 8) aircraft during fiscal year 2026. Onboard, customers will have more opportunities to fly on the airline's Domestic First Class seats when scheduled operations of the aircraft starts from fiscal year 2027.
JAL Boeing 737-8 (737 MAX 8) Credit: Japan Airlines
JAL Boeing 737-8 (737 MAX 8) First Class seats Credit: Japan Airlines
“The introduction and subsequent expansion of 737-8 operations will extend JAL’s First Class service to new routes throughout its domestic network, providing a fresh inflight experience that fosters deeper connections with local regions and offers services that make every guest look forward to their next journey.”
Passengers flying in JAL's Domestic First Class soon will start receiving Bento-style meals which will feature a theme related to a region in Japan every two months. During April/May, the first Bento theme will be Aomori and Kochi, followed by Shimane and Miyazaki in June/July, Fukuoka and Yamagata in August/September. The theme for October onwards has yet to be announced. Passengers on longer flights will still be offered tray-style meals.
JAL's Premium passengers departing from its domestic hub at Tokyo Haneda Airport Terminal 1's Domestic Terminal North Wing will be able to spend time at two soon-to-reopen lounges – the Sakura Lounge and Diamond Premier Lounge. Currently under renovation, the Haneda Terminal 1 Diamond Premier Lounge will be renamed to JAL First Class Lounge, followed by the other lounges at Sapporo New Chitose, Osaka Itami, Fukuoka, and Okinawa Naha.
Artist depiction of renovated JAL Domestic North Wing Lounge at Tokyo Haneda Airport Terminal 1 Credit: Japan Airlines
The dedicated check-in counters and security checkpoints for First Class and tier status members are also scheduled to be renovated. Passengers clearing through the upgraded security checkpoints will be able to proceed without removing computers and liquids from bags.
According to JAL, the lounges are expected to be opened from October.
Inflight Magazine and App Updates
In addition to the introduction of the 737-8 in early 2027 and the upgraded Premium services, JAL will update its website and app next month focused on “ultimate simplicity.”
To reduce paper waste and to provide a more intuitive reading experience, JAL domestic flights will integrate the “JAL SHOP” shopping catalog with the “SKYWARD” inflight magazine starting with the May 2026 issue.
“Furthermore, each issue will feature special reports based on bi-monthly service themes, curated to bring you the hidden charms and unique local attractions of regions across Japan.”
JAL's Japanese language “Inflight sales at Home” (Ouchi de kinaihanhai) will be completely digitalized this month (March). By eliminating in-person sales during the flight, customers will instead be able to shop online from the comfort of their own home with a Japanese address.
“Together with the reduced weight from the aforementioned changes to the inflight magazine, the reduction of loaded goods on board will reduce weight and fuel consumption, contributing to a more sustainable flight.”
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