Toulouse, France | April 30, 2019– The first A350 XWB for Japan Airlines (JAL) has rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France. The A350-900 is the first ever Airbus aircraft to be produced directly for JAL and features a special A350 red logo on the fuselage.
The aircraft will now proceed to ground and flight tests, before delivery to JAL in early summer.
In total JAL has ordered 31 A350 XWB aircraft, comprising 18 A350-900s and 13 A350- 1000s. The A350-900 will initially be operated on major domestic routes, with a three class configuration seating 369 passengers.
The A350 XWB is the world’s most modern and eco-efficient aircraft family shaping the future of air travel. It is the long-range leader in the large wide-body market (300 to 400+ seats). The A350 XWB offers by design unrivaled operational flexibility and efficiency for all market segments up to ultra-long haul (15,000km).
The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions. The A350 XWB’s Airspace by Airbus cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable flying experience.
At the end of March 2019, the A350 XWB Family had received 890 firm orders from 50 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful wide-body aircraft ever.
Toulouse, France | February 15, 2019– Final assembly of the first A350-900 for Japan Airlines (JAL) has begun and is taking shape at the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. The wing-fuselage junction and the installation of the vertical and horizontal tailplane have been completed.
After this station, the first JAL A350 XWB will be in the next assembly station for final structural completion – such as the installation of winglets – and ground testing of mechanical, electrical and avionics systems.
JAL placed an order for 31 A350 XWBs (18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s) in 2013. It was JAL’s first ever order for Airbus aircraft.
The carrier’s first A350-900 is scheduled for delivery in the middle of the year. JAL’s A350 fleet will enter service on major domestic routes starting with its Haneda-Fukuoka route from September and later fly on international routes, replacing older-generation widebody types.
The A350 XWB is an all-new family of mid-size widebody long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel. It is the world’s most modern widebody family and the long-range leader, ideally positioned in the 300-400 seat category. The A350-900 and the A350-1000, and derivatives, are the longest range airliners in operation, with a range capability of up to 9,700nm. The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25% reduction in fuel burn and emissions.
The A350 XWB’s Airspace by Airbus cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight product for the most comfortable flying experience.
At the end of January 2019, Airbus has recorded a total of 894 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 48 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
Paris, France | August 29, 2017– Thales and Japan Airlines welcome the entry into service of the Boeing 787-9 newly configured aircraft equipped with AVANT In- Flight Entertainment system. The new JAL Sky Suite 787-9 cabin on the airline’s Tokyo Narita to Kuala Lumpur route debuted this summer.
Japan Airlines is a long-term, valued Thales customer who is the first Asian airline to choose AVANT on the Boeing 787 series. AVANT offers a state-of-the-art Android-based IFE solution with customizable passenger experience and an extensive selection of features and applications.
The Boeing 787-9 aircraft, equipped with AVANT, utilizes the latest Magic VI system which includes Audio and Video On Demand (AVOD), games and applications customized to JAL – On-Boarding Shopping, Meal Order and Sky Manga, eBook application. Magic VI offers in total 300 movies, videos and music programs for passengers to enjoy right at their fingertips. The newly configured aircraft has 52 business class, 35 premium economy class and 116 economy class seats.
Japan Airlines’ decision to use AVANT on Boeing 787-9 linefit fleet testifies the utmost satisfaction the system brings to their passengers. The airline also operates Thales IFE systems on their Boeing 767, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 aircraft, flying across domestic and international routes.
APEX/IFSA
The other day, we got a note from Robin Applebaum, APEX Marketing Communication Director we thought you might like to see: “I wanted to reach out to you today with some exciting news from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the International Flight Service Association (IFSA). This morning, APEX and IFSA announced a more tightly aligned relationship to better serve the global airline industry. This step will help to further solidify APEX as the industry’s most influential member-based organization dedicated to elevating the entire passenger experience; and will help IFSA to grow globally as the pivotal airline association of the catering and in-flight services market. While both APEX and IFSA will remain fully independent, this alliance triggers additional collaboration in the planning of association co-locations and events, joint working groups, reciprocal guest board member attendance at board meetings, as well as now having a common Chief Executive Officer serving both associations.”
When we asked for more background info, she responded: “As I am sure you are aware, APEX and the International Flight Service Association (IFSA), have had a long established ‘sister-association relationship.’ Last week’s announcement only serves to further align the two groups. As part of this strategic relationship, APEX will be leveraging IFSA to represent the foundation of the association’s catering and services sector. “This will not only help the association to grow its footprint, but will also further solidify APEX as the industry’s most influential member-based organization dedicated to elevating the entire passenger experience. For IFSA, aligning with APEX will help them to expand its reach globally, build additional strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations, and establish itself as the industry’s global representative of the growing catering and in-flight/onboard hospitality market.”
“Additionally, the inclusion of more catering and service elements at APEX events will attract greater numbers of senior airline decision makers who oversee this sector as well as IFE by offering a greater diversification of products, services and information. As demonstrated at APEX EXPO in Singapore, this type of approach yields an increase in potential customers for event exhibitors and other vendor participants. Finally, it will help to better position APEX events against the backdrop of assertive for-profit show competition.”
Gogo
“To celebrate the fleet-wide upgrade to their new JAL SKY NEXT product, the airline will start offering free Wi-Fi on all equipped domestic flights from February 1, 2017 till August 31st 2017. Connectivity is provided through Gogo using our satellite Internet technology. You’ll find the SKY NEXT product on select 777 -300, 777-200, 767-300 and 737-800 aircraft. JAL was our first international customer, and we’ve been honored to partner with them since 2014 on connectivity and entertainment for their domestic passengers.
This promotion from JAL is just one of the latest to offer Gogo products and services free to their passengers. Last year, we partnered with T-Mobile to provide free Wi-Fi to their subscribers, and most recently, Alaska Airlines rolled out their Free ChatTM product which lets passengers access popular chat apps like iMessage, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp on their smartphone.
In addition to connectivity promotions, we also provide the technology allowing airlines to offer free wireless entertainment to their customers. The product, called Gogo Vision, streams movies and TV shows from our airborne server to most mobile devices, laptops and tablets. Movies and TV shows from Gogo Vision can now be found on more than 2800 aircaft on some the largest airlines in the world. Today, many of Gogo’s airline partners are offering all or some of the content free to passengers.”
AirSatOne
Aviation Satcom provider, AirSatOne, announces lower rates for its SwiftBroadband connectivity. Taking care of customers is a top priority at AirSatOne and one reason why the company maintains a 99% customer retention rate. So when Inmarsat, the leader in global satellite communications, lowered its prices AirSatOne was quick to pass the savings on to its customers.
Customers using AirSatOne as their service provider have access to its custom global network for the same price as the generic network used by the competition. AirSatOne’s custom network includes worldwide teleports and IP PoP (Internet Point of Presence) with advanced network security and our globally deployed Flightstream SA which provides web filtering, compression, consumption tracking and firewall customized for mobile communications.
“We think this is an exciting time for the Satcom market. With more and more operators and executives finding it essential to conduct business and stay in sync with the home office while traveling, we hope reducing airtime charges will encourage more aircraft owners to invest in installing Satcom systems in their aircraft,” says Kremsreiter. Satcom systems work everywhere (except at the poles) so in addition to increasing productivity, Satcom hardware increases the aircraft’s value and worldwide marketability when it comes time to sell.
SITA
Airlines and airports are investing in technologies to help predict and prepare for future events. This is according to The Future is Predictable, a report published today by air transport IT provider, SITA. It outlines how efforts are being made to tackle the estimated US$25 billion[1] cost of flight disruptions to the air transport industry by harnessing artificial intelligence, cognitive computing, predictive analytics and other progressive technical capabilities.
SITA’s analysis reveals that predictive tools using artificial intelligence and cognitive computing are likely to be adopted by half of airlines and airports over the coming five to 10 years. However, a few front runners are already trialing predictive modeling, machine learning, and data mining. These efforts are mainly focused on initiatives that will provide passengers with more relevant information about their journey to create more seamless and personal experiences.
During 2017, SITA Lab will be validating delay predictions with airlines and airports and expects to complete up to five trials with its industry partners. The next stage will be to incorporate its delay prediction algorithm and disruption warning feeds into SITA’s services to the air transport industry. In the report, leading airports and airlines share their experiences including Gatwick Airport where a seamless passenger experience from curb to gate is the goal. Here several different areas of airport activity are tracked to measure performance and move towards predicting it.
As artificial intelligence develops the importance of maintaining the human touch is not lost on the airlines and airports. Indeed, the combination of people and artificial intelligence is described as transforming the travel experience. The science of artificial intelligence is developing quickly and airlines and airports are turning to the academic community to help them with predictive tools to tackle disruptions. SITA’s report discusses research that is being carried out with scientists from Binghamton University, State University of New York; University of Nottingham as part the European Union-funded consortium PASSME; Carnegie Mellon University; Oxford University’s Data Science Laboratory in the Mathematical Institute and University College London School of Management.
The Future is Predictable combines SITA’s global industry experience and studies with commentary and case studies from airports and airlines that are investing in the latest research and technologies.
Check out the full press release here.
For further details download SITA’s full report – The Future is Predictable
Phitek
New Zealand-based audio equipment and technology developer Phitek Systems has been sold to New York-listed Amphenol Corp, providing an exit for a number of domestic VC investors. Phitek’s previous backers include Direct Capital-managed TMT Ventures and Stephen Tindal’s K1W1 investment vehicle. TMT, which has been invested since 2005, has a direct 27 per cent and a 14 per cent holding shared with the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund. Meanwhile, K1W1 owns 39 per cent. Phitek designs and supplies aircraft in-flight entertainment interconnect products for the commercial aerospace industry. You can read more here.
Lufthansa Technik
Luftahansa Technik has announced a two-in-one solution (TIOS) antenna radome for the Boeing 737-700 and -800. The antenna, installed on the vertical stabilizer to reduce drag and positively affect the aircraft’s center of gravity, will make it possible to install Ka-band antennas to provide high-speed internet, TV connections and a high-definition camera. The radome is up to 200 lb. (100 kg) lighter than the original and is FAA validated and has an EASA Supplemental Type Certification. You can find satellite communication options, products, services and companies in MRO Links, MRO-Network.com’s searchable directory.
TIOS – Two antennas under one radome – YouTube
Notes
- Rich Salter told IFExpress: “Re: data transmission via light (LiFi), I just signed on to Moderate a session at AIX’ Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) on April 3 in Hamburg. It is the Tech Horizons session (last one of the day) in the Connected Journey track, and one of the presenters is Prof Harald Haas of Edinburgh who is founder of PureLiFi – and he coined the term “LiFi” too.”
- Richie Sugimoto reports that Aircraft Cabin Systems has just received Certification of ISO9001 and AS9100 – Congratulations!
More Stuff
- The death of IFE? The death of in-flight entertainment? American Airlines scraps screens and tells fliers to bring their own
- Cabin networks and Wi-Fi feature in Crystal Cabin Awards 2017
- Is this starting to smell funny? Delta Halts U.S. Flights as Another Computer Failure Strikes – Bloomberg
Neuilly-sur-Seine, France and Irvine, California | December 2, 2014– Thales announces that Japan Airlines’ new B787-8, which entered into revenue service on December 1, is equipped with the latest generation, Android based AVANT in-flight entertainment system. Japan Airlines (JAL) becomes the first carrier in Asia to fly Thales’s AVANT system on a B787 aircraft.
AVANT is a popular system on newest generation aircraft and has been selected by 15 worldwide airlines. Today, more than 120 aircraft are flying with AVANT with at least one aircraft delivery nearly every week. Total orders are approaching 500 aircraft.
The JAL Sky Suite passenger experience on the B787 includes a wide selection of on-demand entertainment, 3D Maps, JAL Shop, and Sky Manga; a world first for the cabin experience. Sky Manga is a service that allows passengers to enjoy digital manga on the Thales system. Available in all classes on international routes, passengers will have access to 90 Japanese and 30 English titles.
Business class passengers will enjoy their personal entertainment on 23” high definition displays and on the award winning Touch Passenger Media Unit. This unique unit, which resembles a smartphone, can be used as a control device or second screen, bringing more interactivity and newer Android applications to passengers than ever before.
Passengers in premium economy and economy seats will access their entertainment through large 12 and 10 inch displays offering a generous viewing experience. At every seat, passengers will find AC power and USB port accommodations for their mobile devices.
Japan Airlines have 15 line-fit B787 aircraft on order, all featuring AVANT. The airline and Thales have a developed a close partnership over the years. In addition to the B787, Thales systems are flying on Japan Airlines’ B767 and B777 aircraft, on both domestic and international routes.
“Our relationship with Japan Airlines spans many years and we have developed mutual respect and trust for one another. The launch of this new aircraft is a great milestone for all of us and we are confident that the quality, reliability and advanced technology of our systems will help Japan Airlines ensure their passengers continue to be satisfied by this airline’s exceptional level of service,” said Dominique Giannoni, Thales vice president and CEO of In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity activities
Lake Forest, CA | March 26, 2014– Japan Airlines (JAL) has selected Panasonic Avionics (Panasonic) for a major expansion of in-flight Wi-Fi for its international fleet which includes Boeing 787s, Boeing 777-200ERs and Boeing 767-300ERs.
The commitment comes after a successful introduction of Panasonic’s broadband Wi-Fi service on 13 of Japan Airlines’ 777s that have been flying international routes since July 2012.
The carrier has become one of the first airlines to offer internet access, email services, and more on flights between Japan and Europe and across the Pacific to North America.
Jun Kato, Executive Officer of Marketing & Branding for Japan Airlines said, “With worldwide coverage, unmatched regulatory approvals, and plans to deploy the world’s highest bandwidth global network, it was an easy decision to choose Panasonic for our widebody aircraft. Our passengers love this high speed service, and we look forward to offering it on all of our international routes.”
Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer for Panasonic Avionics, said, “We are honored that Japan Airlines has selected Panasonic to provide broadband connectivity services across their international fleet. Our unique offering of global satellite coverage and capacity coupled with the necessary regulatory approvals and real-time 24/7 monitoring with our Mission Control Center, is making the difference for our customers.”
Panasonic’s in-flight connectivity service helps create a connected experience in air that is similar to what travelers experience each day on the ground. It provides two-way broadband communications to an aircraft and supports internet access, email, social network access and other crew and passenger applications. It also offers airlines the ability to streamline their operations by enabling electronic flight bag, real-time weather updates, live engine monitoring and other services.
ITASCA, ILL.| January 30, 2014– Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO), the world leader of in-flight connectivity and a pioneer in wireless in-flight digital entertainment solutions, announced today that it will add Gogo Vision to Japan Airlines’ (JAL) entire domestic fleet. Gogo recently announced a partnership with JAL to provide in-flight Internet on the same fleet.
Gogo Vision is Gogo’s wireless in-flight entertainment service that allows passengers to rent movies and television shows and stream them to their own Wi-Fi enabled laptops or tablets. The new service, as well as Internet connectivity, is expected to be available to JAL passengers beginning in the summer of 2014.
“Gogo Vision is a natural add-on service to Gogo’s connectivity product as it adds very limited incremental costs to the airline once the connectivity service is in place,” saidNiels Steenstrup, Gogo’s senior vice president, global airline sales. “Gogo Vision becomes an extremely low cost way for airlines to offer a robust in-flight entertainment solution to its passengers that they can then stream to their own Wi-Fi enabled devices.”
The Gogo Vision platform will contain Japanese produced content as well as JAL original content.
“Adding Gogo Vision to our fleet is just another way for us to bring passengers a unique and completely refreshing onboard experience,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, JAL’s president. “JAL passengers will be able to use the Internet to stay connected and productive and Gogo Vision will help keep them entertained.”
- “Welcome! JAL New Sky” spreads its wings across Japan
Tokyo, Japan | October 28, 2013–
Japan Airlines (JAL) announced today that it will further expand its JAL NEW SKY PROJECT and install in-flight Internet service on select Japan-domestic flights.
JAL NEW SKY PROJECT was initially launched by the airline in January 2013 with the introduction of the JAL SKY SUITE 777 on international routes. The revamped aircraft boasts increased comfort and functionality in all classes based on the theme “Designed to evoke a ‘one-class higher’ feel.” Leading the redesign are the airline’s new fully-flat seats in JAL Business Class. Furthermore, the new JAL SKY SUITE 767 will be introduced onto select international flights starting in December 2013.
As part of this latest Project, JAL will revamp cabin interiors on aircraft operating on select domestic routes, which will include the installation of leather seating and LED lighting throughout the cabin based on the theme “Superior Cabin”. Another highlight of the new Economy class seat is a slim-style seatback design resulting in approximately 5cm (max.) more legroom than the present seat pitch, providing customers with a more comfortable travel experience.
Additionally, in-flight Internet service, currently available on select JAL international flights from July 2012, will be first installed onto select Japan-domestic flights.
JAL is continually striving to bring passengers a unique and completely refreshing onboard experience with the expansion of JAL NEW SKY PROJECT – Welcome! JAL New Sky.
- 1. Revamped cabin interiors for select domestic flights
(1) Outline
Domestic aircraft types: Boeing 777－200/300
Boeing 767－300/300ER
Boeing 737－800
(Total of 77 aircraft based on the current plan)
New domestic service launch: From May 2014*1
*1A detailed schedule for the introduction of the new domestic service will be announced as soon as it has been finalized.
(2) New seats
The new leather seating in J-class and Economy class will be made from the same high-quality genuine leather used for seats installed in luxury vehicles. The airline’s plan is to revamp all the cabin seats in both classes on select domestic routes. In addition, carpet installed throughout the cabin will also be replaced to match the redesigned interiors.
Economy class
.A slim-style seatback design results in approximately 5cm (max.) more legroom than the present seat pitch.
.The all-leather seats are molded to better fit the natural contour of the passenger’s back and overall body, providing significantly more comfort.
.The light-weight material helps to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Class J
Seating in JAL’s popular Class J will offer slightly wider space for passengers to enjoy their time in-flight, and the new genuine leather covered seats will evoke a feeling of luxury.
(3)LED lighting in cabin
Based on the concept “air-like lighting”, the cabin atmosphere can be easily changed according to the flight hours, the season, and the natural rhythm of time to create a relaxing ambience and a feeling of Japan.
Lighting based on the time of day（daytime） Lighting based on the season (spring)
(4) First class service to be installed onto some Boeing 767-300ER
The popular First class service on present domestic flights will be expanded to domestic Boeing 767s.
2. The In-flight Internet service on domestic flights
Domestic aircraft types: Boeing 777－200/300
Boeing 767－300/300ER
Boeing 737－800
(Total of 77 aircraft based on the current plan)
New domestic service launch: From Summer 2014*2
*2 A detailed schedule for the introduction of the new domestic service will be announced as soon as it has been finalized.
Description of the service:
To meet the customers’ needs for more wireless LAN terminals and connection facilities, and a high quality transmission environment within the cabin, JAL will be the first Japanese carrier ever to provide in-flight Internet service (fee based) on domestic flights from summer 2014, using Gogo®’s *3 service. The domestic service enhancement is in addition to the in-flight Internet service currently available on JAL’s international flights, which aims to provide customers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. On JAL domestic flights, passengers will be able to access the Internet and send/receive e-mails via Wi-Fi enabled personal terminals with a sense of security of being connected to the ground during the flight.
Details of JAL’s latest services including the new seats and new in-flight Internet service will be provided at the end of January 2014.
France | October 7, 2013– Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed a purchase agreement for 31 A350 XWBs (18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s), plus options for a further 25 aircraft. This is JAL’s first ever order for Airbus aircraft.* It is also the first order Airbus has received from Japan for the A350 XWB, confirming its continuing success with world leading airlines across the globe. JAL and Airbus aim for entry into service from 2019, with the airline’s A350 XWBs gradually replacing its ageing fleet approximately over a six year period.
“We will utilize the A350 XWB to maximum, which offers high level of operational efficiency and product competitiveness, while positively catering to new business opportunities after slots at airports in Tokyo are increased,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines. “In addition to improving profitability with advanced aircraft, we always aim to deliver unparalleled services to customers with the latest cabin and steady expansion of our route network.”
“Japan Airlines is well known as one of the most preferred airlines in the world providing its passengers with an excellent flight experience. We sincerely welcome Japan Airlines as a new Airbus customer and feel honored by this first ever order from Japan for our all-new A350 XWB,” said Fabrice Bregier, President and CEO of Airbus. “It fills us with pride to see a leading Japanese airline start a new chapter with us. This highlights a very bright and flourishing future for both of us, JAL and Airbus.”
In a typical three-class layout the A350-900 comfortably seats more than 300 passengers on routes as long as 8,100 nautical miles (nm). The A350-1000 is the largest member of the A350 XWB Family, seating 350 passengers on even longer missions up to 8,400 nm. All A350 XWB models are equipped with the new Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
Over 70 percent of the A350 XWB’s weight-efficient airframe is made from advanced materials combining composites (53 percent), titanium and advanced aluminium alloys. In addition to innovative materials, the A350 XWB brings together the very latest in aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies and provides significant improvement in fuel efficiency compared with competing models.
To date, the A350 XWB MSN1 has completed around 300 flight test hours out of the campaign’s total 2,500 hours which are to be achieved by five flight test A350’s over the next 12 months. Entry into commercial service of the A350-900 is scheduled for the second half of 2014. With this latest commitment, Airbus has recorded more than 750 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 38 customers worldwide.
Inflight connectivity is about getting data to and from a passenger’s laptop, or getting their voice to the right ear, wherever that might be. The technology behind it may not be interesting to passengers, but it is technological developments, such as TriaGnoSys’ new GSM roaming solution, that drive increased efficiencies, reduce costs and thereby enable airlines to offer more connectivity to more people.”
