Japan Airlines is getting busy with orders, lodging orders with both Boeing and Airbus for 42 aircraft. Let’s see what they are planning to add to their fleet.
International
On international routes, JAL will introduce an additional 20 A350-900 aircraft into its fleet. This type of aircraft is used by the airline serving as the backbone of its domestic operations, with the larger A350-1000 used internationally.
Supporting its growth, the airline will add 10 Boeing 787-9 aircraft to its existing fleet of over 50 Boeing 787 series aircraft.
These new aircraft introductions aim to enhance and expand the capacity of JAL’s international operations, with a primary focus on regions such as North America, Asia, and India where future growth is expected.
The introduction of both aircraft types is planned over a period of approximately six years, starting in 2027.
Domestic
It seems that Japan Airlines is turning to Airbus, who will be supplying them with 11 Airbus A321neo aircraft This marks the first introduction of Airbus A321neo aircraft for JAL. It marks an interesting turning point, as these A321neo aircraft will replace part of the existing Boeing 767-300ER domestic fleet.
As previously announced, JAL will introduce 21 Boeing 737-8 aircraft to replace its current Boeing 737-800 fleet, starting from 2026.
These aircraft will be strategically deployed on routes that align with demand, including to and from Haneda Airport, starting in 2028.
Finally, JAL has also decided to introduce one additional Airbus A350-900 (Japan domestic configured) as a replacement for the A350-900 aircraft that was lost in January 2024.
Confidence in growth
It appears whatever slump the Asian market is in, Japan Airlines is getting ready to pull out of it, with long-term expansion, turning to both of the big manufacturers to support this. It’s also interesting to see that JAL is turning to Airbus for single-aisle aircraft – what was a rock-solid Boeing market in the past.
For Japan Airlines, there is clearly renewal and growth in its long-haul markets ahead.
As well as backfilling an A350-900.
Renderings – Japan Airlines
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