Following its board of directors meeting, Japan Airlines (JAL) announced the decision to introduce 21 Airbus A350-900 aircraft from Airbus, 11 A321neo aircraft, and 10 Boeing 787-9 aircraft from The Boeing Company as part of its fleet renewal plan.
On international lines, JAL will launch an additional 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which are now the backbone of its domestic operations. Furthermore, JAL intends to add ten Boeing 787-9 aircraft to its current fleet of around fifty Boeing 787 series aircraft. These new aircraft debuts aim to improve and extend JAL’s international operations, with a particular emphasis on regions such as North America, Asia, and India, where future growth is projected. By 2030, JAL intends to expand and grow its international network, increasing the combined supply capacity of full-service carriers and low-cost carriers (LCCs) by approximately 1.4 times, while also accelerating the adoption of the latest fuel-efficient aircraft to provide customers with the best possible service and further reduce CO2 emissions. The launch of both aircraft types is scheduled to begin in FY2027 and last around six years.
JAL plans to replace its current Boeing 737-800 fleet on domestic routes with 21 Boeing 737-8 aircraft beginning in 2026. JAL has also opted to add 11 Airbus A321neo aircraft to their existing fleet of medium-sized Boeing 767 aircraft. This is JAL’s first introduction of Airbus A321neo aircraft. These aircraft will be strategically deployed on demand-driven routes, notably to and from Haneda Airport, beginning in 2028. Furthermore, JAL has agreed to bring one more Airbus A350-900 (domestic configuration) to replace the A350-900 aircraft that was lost in January 2024.
JAL Group remains dedicated to accelerating the deployment of fuel-efficient aircraft as part of its efforts to meet CO2 emissions targets (a 10% decrease in overall emissions compared to 2019 by fiscal year 2030, and near-zero emissions by fiscal year 2050).
Overview of A321neo
Over 70 airlines worldwide are now operating the Airbus A320neo series, with more than 3,000 aircraft in operation and over 10,000 orders received by Airbus.
The JAL Group has introduced the A321neo, the longest variation in the A320neo family. It is outfitted with cutting-edge engines (LEAP-1A or PW1100G-JM) that maximize fuel efficiency. Compared to the preceding A321ceo model, it is predicted to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by approximately 15%, demonstrating great economic and environmental performance.
Furthermore, the standard Airbus Airspace interior creates a sense of spaciousness and comfort in the cabin. The new engines also reduce noise significantly, meeting the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) strict Chapter 14 noise rules and maintaining a calm onboard atmosphere.
