Review: Japan Airlines (787-9) Business Class from Helsinki to Tokyo Haneda

Always Fly Business

Editorial Team

Published

January 19, 2024

AI Executive Summary

Japan Airlines operates the Boeing 787-9 between Helsinki and Tokyo Haneda, offering the JAL Sky Suite business class product with lie flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. The seat is spacious with excellent storage under the ottoman, though the bed surface is firm for sleeping. Service is polished and the Japanese menu delivers authentic flavors, but the entertainment selection is limited. Free unlimited wifi for business class is a welcome bonus.

Flying from Europe to Japan usually means choosing between Finnair’s convenient Helsinki hub or routing through the Gulf carriers. But there is another option that many overlook: Japan Airlines operates its own service between Helsinki and Tokyo Haneda, giving you a proper Japanese carrier experience right from the start of your journey.

I had been curious about JAL’s Sky Suite product for some time, so when the opportunity came to try the Helsinki route, I took it. Here is how it went.

Japan Airlines

Business Class

Route

Helsinki (HEL) - Tokyo Haneda (HND)

Date

2024

Aircraft

Boeing 787-9

Seat

Sky Suite

Layout

2-2-2

Bed

Full flat

Wi-Fi

Free unlimited (Business Class)

Check in and Boarding

Check in at Helsinki was well organized and moved quickly. JAL had a dedicated counter for business class passengers, and the staff were efficient without being rushed.

Boarding started exactly on time, down to the minute. The process was clear and orderly, something you come to expect from Japanese carriers. Walking onto the aircraft, I was greeted by multiple crew members and guided to my seat. The welcome felt genuine rather than scripted.

Shortly after settling in, a welcome drink arrived. The only minor disappointment was that the glass was plastic rather than proper glassware. A small detail, but noticeable when you are used to other carriers.

The Cabin and Seating

The JAL Sky Suite on the 787-9 is configured 2-2-2 across the cabin, with 44 seats in total. Despite the paired layout, JAL has staggered the window seats cleverly so that every passenger has direct aisle access without needing to climb over anyone.

The window seat is remarkably private. When you raise the divider, you are essentially in your own little pod, well shielded from both your neighbor and the aisle. The setup reminded me of an improved version of British Airways’ Ying Yang seat design, but with better execution.

Moving in and out of the seat is straightforward. The space feels open despite the 2-2-2 arrangement.

Storage is a bit of a mixed bag. Under the ottoman there is generous room for a larger bag, and I could easily fit my backpack there. But beyond that, storage options are limited. There is a narrow shelf beside the seat that can hold a glass or cup, but not much else.

The seat itself is comfortable for sitting and lounging. In bed mode, it extends to 188 cm, which works for most people but might feel tight for taller passengers. The surface is on the firmer side for sleeping. I would have appreciated a proper duvet or mattress pad, though JAL does provide Airweave bedding on European routes which helps somewhat.

JAL Sky Suite business class seat

One nice touch: the seat controls are well laid out and easy to understand, and the privacy partition raises and lowers smoothly.

In Flight Entertainment

The 23 inch screen is one of the largest in any business class cabin, and it looks sharp. Viewing angles are excellent from any seat position, and the touchscreen responds well.

The selection, however, is not quite as impressive as the hardware. I counted around a dozen newer films including some recent Hollywood releases, but the library felt smaller than what you might find on Emirates or Singapore Airlines. TV series availability was limited to a handful of episodes per show rather than full seasons.

If you have specific viewing plans, I would recommend downloading content to your own device before departure.

On the positive side, wifi is now free and unlimited for business class passengers. JAL introduced this in October 2024, and it works well enough for browsing, email, and messaging. Do not expect to stream video smoothly, but for staying connected on a 13 hour flight, it is a welcome perk.

Food, Drinks, and Service

Service began promptly after takeoff. Before the meal, the crew brought olives and two kinds of nuts along with drinks. I started with sake, which was smooth and well chilled.

No hot towels appeared, which surprised me. Instead, passengers received a pre packaged moist towelette. Not quite the same experience.

For the main meal, I chose the Japanese menu. The appetizers were presented beautifully in the traditional kaiseki style, with small portions of various dishes. Some were more adventurous than I expected. If you prefer familiar flavors, the Western menu might be the safer choice. The quality was good, but this is about personal taste rather than any fault with the food.

The main course was teriyaki yellowtail with miso chicken and steamed rice. Everything was well prepared and genuinely flavorful. The rice in particular stood out, as it often does on Japanese carriers.

JAL Sky Suite business class seat

JAL operates a “Dine Anytime” concept, allowing you to order food throughout the flight via the seat controller. It worked seamlessly when I got hungry again later.

One disappointment: I ordered the sushi from the anytime menu expecting something special. What arrived was two pieces of crab with a lot of mushrooms. Not what I had imagined. The lesson here is that the main service meals are where JAL puts its effort, while the snack menu items are more basic.

Throughout the flight, the service was professional and attentive without being intrusive. Crew members were friendly and helpful, though I would not say the service exceeded expectations. Everything was done correctly, but there was no extra effort or memorable touches.

Conclusion

The Final Verdict

The 787-9 is a comfortable aircraft with low cabin pressure and a quiet environment
Sky Suite offers a spacious seat with direct aisle access from every position
Window seats are exceptionally private when the divider is raised
Good storage under the ottoman, but limited options elsewhere
The bed surface is firm. Airweave bedding helps but a duvet would be better
Large 23 inch screen, though the content library is smaller than competitors
Free unlimited wifi for business class is excellent
Japanese menu offers authentic flavors, though some dishes may be adventurous for Western palates
Service is polished and professional, if not especially memorable

JAL’s Helsinki route provides a solid business class experience with a genuinely comfortable seat and authentic Japanese service. The Sky Suite is a good product, though it is starting to show its age compared to newer offerings from competitors. If you value privacy, reliable service, and want to start your Japan trip with a Japanese carrier, this is a sensible choice. Just do not expect to be blown away.

For comparison, you might also consider Finnair’s A350 business class on the same route, though personally I would take JAL for the more authentic pre arrival experience.

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