Japan Airlines plans new international class

Japan Airlines (JAL) will introduce a new Premium Economy Class to its international fleet from April, and has plans to install large leather seats in all classes on all aircraft.

The largest airline operator in Asia, JAL will also improve its in-flight cuisine, as part of a range of future upgrades inspired by customer feedback.

Passengers flying between the Far East and Los Angeles LAX, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York JFK will be able to book JAL Premium Economy Class tickets from fall 2007. Boeing 777s will accommodate about 40 Premium Economy passengers in a designated section of the aircraft.

The unique shell-shaped seats are said to offer 20 percent more space than regular Economy Class, with a center console to separate neighboring passengers. Each seat includes a leg rest and foot rest, a large table to accommodate a laptop, and personal power sockets.

Premium Economy fliers may also have the use of JAL's international airport lounges and could be offered in-flight slippers for their long-haul journey.

Menu modifications will come into force by March next year, and spacious new leather seats will be rolled out in all classes from the beginning of the fiscal year 2008, the carrier has announced.

In addition to the above U.S. airports, JAL also connects Japan with Vancouver and Mexico City.

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