JAL seem to be slowly getting back on their feet after the financial disaster they had a year or so back.
They have announced they are to order 10 Boeing 787-9 series aircraft, whilst converting 10 existing orders for 787-8s into the 787-9 model. In addition, more options to purchase have been secured.
The magic number then for JAL for the 787 series is:
- 25 Firm Orders for the 787-8
- 20 Firm Orders for the 787-9
- 20 Options to be taken either as 787-8 or 787-9
The 787-9 will be deployed on medium to long haul international routes after the 2015 fiscal year. For JAL, this represents an opportunity to reduces costs and take advantage of slots being released at the two major Tokyo Airports – Narita and Haneda.
Meanwhile for those waiting to see a 787-8 in the colours of JAL (well – white, black and a red crane on the tail fin), you’re going to be waiting a bit longer. Whilst the first aircraft for JAL was due February, it’s been put back indefinitely.