Japan Airlines (JAL) will upgrade its Sydney-Tokyo flights to a larger plane, bringing with it the reintroduction of First Class on the route.

The Oneworld member currently uses Boeing 787-9s on its daily JL51/52 services between Sydney and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. These jets are fitted with Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class seating.

According to current schedules, Japan Airlines will begin flying the larger Boeing 777-300ER on its Sydney-Haneda route from 1 June 2024. This aircraft has four cabin classes, including First. Although this aircraft change was loaded into booking systems last year, Japan Airlines only began selling the First Class seats yesterday.

Japan Airlines’ schedules also currently show Boeing 777-300ERs operating JL51/52 during the month of April 2024, but the airline is not selling First Class on those flights. This indicates that a further aircraft change is possible for April flights.

This is the (northern summer) schedule for JAL’s Sydney-Haneda flights:

• JL52 Sydney 08:15 – Haneda 17:05
• JL51 Haneda 19:20 – Sydney 06:10 (next day)

There is reward availability in First Class

We currently see up to two First Class reward seats available on many Japan Airlines flights between Sydney and Tokyo from June 2024 onwards. You can book these using points or miles with any Oneworld airline, including Qantas!

It would cost 129,300 Qantas Frequent Flyer points + $103 for a one-way First Class reward ticket from Sydney to Tokyo on Japan Airlines. The taxes and charges are a bit higher on reward tickets originating in Japan.

Some flights also have three or more reward seats available in Premium Economy and Business Class, which you could also book using Qantas points.

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Japan Airlines offers superb service in general, but especially in First Class. Not only is the lie-flat seat extremely comfortable, but you can look forward to exquisite champagne and dining options.

With the reintroduction of First Class to Sydney, Japan Airlines becomes one of just a handful of carriers still offering First Class to and from Australia.

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.