The Japan Airlines A350 will be coming to London soon
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Back in autumn 2023, Japan Airlines unveiled the interiors of its new intercontinental flagship aircraft. Thirteen A350-1000s will gradually replace JAL’s existing Boeing 777 fleet and will arrive with new seats in all four cabins, from First Class to Economy.
They look impressive. You can see my full article here which delves into more detail. The aircraft will have six First Class suites, 54 Business Class suites, 24 Premium Economy seats and 155 seats in Economy.
First Class moves to a 1-1-1 layout, with extra wide seats:
Whilst in Business, JAL is adopting Safran’s unity seat in a staggered formation:
More fascinating, however, is the “Introduction of the world’s first headphone-free stereo with built-in headrest speakers, allowing customers to enjoy the inflight entertainment system without using headphones.”
I believe JAL is the first airline to offer this technology, and I can’t wait to see how well it works on board.
Japan Airlines is part of the oneworld alliance, which means you’ll be able to redeem Avios for these cabins when they launch.
New York was given as the first destination to receive the aircraft, followed by Houston. London was noticeable by its absence.
That has now changed. In an email to London-based customers it says:
“We are also pleased to announce the launch of our Airbus A350-1000 international aircraft between London and Tokyo, Haneda within this fiscal year. We will announce more details when they become available.”
The JAL fiscal year runs to March so what do they mean? It is too short notice to launch it by next month given it is not in the timetable yet. Did they mean calendar year? Irrespective, it looks as if we’ll be seeing these new seats in action soon.
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How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (April 2025)
As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Avios points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses!
In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.
You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:
Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard
Get 25,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £10,000 Read our full review
Barclaycard Avios Mastercard
Get 5,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £20,000 Read our full review
There are two official British Airways American Express cards with attractive sign-up bonuses:
British Airways American Express Premium Plus
30,000 Avios and the famous annual 2-4-1 voucher Read our full review
British Airways American Express
5,000 Avios for signing up and an Economy 2-4-1 voucher for spending £15,000 Read our full review
You can also get generous sign-up bonuses by applying for American Express cards which earn Membership Rewards points. These points convert at 1:1 into Avios.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review
The Platinum Card from American Express
80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review
Run your own business?
We recommend Capital on Tap for limited companies. You earn 1 Avios per £1 which is impressive for a Visa card, and the standard card is FREE. Capital on Tap cards also have no FX fees.
Capital on Tap Visa
NO annual fee, NO FX fees and points worth 1 Avios per £1 Read our full review
Capital on Tap Pro Visa
10,500 points (=10,500 Avios) plus good benefits Read our full review
There is also a British Airways American Express card for small businesses:
British Airways American Express Accelerating Business
30,000 Avios sign-up bonus – plus annual bonuses of up to 30,000 Avios Read our full review
There are also generous bonuses on the two American Express Business cards, with the points converting at 1:1 into Avios. These cards are open to sole traders as well as limited companies.
American Express Business Platinum
50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review
American Express Business Gold
20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review
Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Avios. This includes both personal and small business cards.
