Japan Airlines Orders Airbus & Boeing Aircraft

Japan Airlines has confirmed plans to introduce new Airbus and Boeing aircraft in an attempt to enhance its international and domestic operations further.

As part of the latest commitment, the airline will welcome 21 A350-900s and 11 A321neo aircraft from Airbus. In addition to the purchase from Airbus, the airline will secure 10 Boeing 787-9s.

The airline says the latest purchase is part of its broader fleet renewal efforts, as it looks to streamline and introduce newer, more efficient aircraft types to replace ageing series.

The Plan For Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines adds that the A350-900s it has purchased will be deployed on its international network. At this stage, A350s form an essential part of the domestic network. However, these new aircraft will change trends as more focus is placed on international services.

Interestingly, the 21st A350 that has been purchased will be configured domestically and will replace the A350-900 lost in January 2024 during a landing incident.

The 787-9s will seamlessly fit into their existing and large fleet of Dreamliners, with the ten additional units easing pressure on the fleet and opening up further possibilities.

Japan Airlines notes that once delivered, the new units will be focused on International markets. The primary focus will be regions such as Asia and India, which are closer to home; however, it will extend towards North America. These locations are deemed high-growth areas long into the future, and Japan Airlines wants to meet this.

The Airbus A321neo, meanwhile, is deemed to be hugely important to their Tokyo Haneda operation once delivered from 2028 onwards. This will also mark the first time the aircraft type has been introduced into the JAL fleet.

Delivery Breakdown

JAL says that its Airbus A350-900s will be delivered from FY2027; these are the 20 configured for international services. However, the A350-900 will replace the lost one for domestic flying in FY2025.

The Boeing 787-9s will be delivered from FY2027, with all ten configured for international flying.

Lastly, Japan Airlines says the new Airbus A321neos will arrive in FY2028 and, therefore, be the last aircraft type of the new order to be delivered.