Japan Airlines Orders More Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Japan Airlines announced on Day 1 of the 2024 Farnborough Airshow an order for additional 787 Dreamliners from Boeing.

With the addition of further units, the airline aims to solidify its position as a leading long-haul company across Asia and beyond.

The deal includes 10 787-9 Dreamliners, considered the perfect middle ground. The airline also commits to 10 additional units as options that can be activated.

The purchase from Japan Airlines isn’t a new development. Earlier in 2024, the carrier announced plans at a board of directors meeting to introduce 10 787s alongside other aircraft as part of fleet renewal efforts.

This order has been confirmed and made genuinely official thanks to the 2024 Farnborough Airshow and further discussions with the American planemaker.

We are delighted to announce the addition of 787 Dreamliners to our fleet. This order underscores our commitment to accelerating the introduction of the modern and more fuel-efficient aircraft to deliver unparalleled service to our customers and further reduce CO₂ emissions. We greatly appreciate the strong relationship and support from Boeing, which has been instrumental in our efforts to modernize our fleet and expand our international routes.

Yukio Nakagawa, JAL Executive Officer of Procurement

Japan Airlines says it’s seeing considerable growth across key international markets and, as a result, believes a purchase for additional widebodies is crucial.

The Japanese company highlights how it became an early adoption of the 787 Dreamliner and has seen the aircraft evolve into a true workhorse for them.

Therefore, an additional purchase was viewed as the logical next step to help Japan Airlines continue evolving its long-haul fleet.

Based on fleet data, Japan Airlines already has 44 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, almost perfectly split between the 787-8 and 787-9. However, the smallest 787-8 has just one additional unit.

The Boeing 787 fleet, which has an average age of 7.8 years, has served the airline well for long-haul flights and those with a shorter duration, such as within Asia.

Japan Airlines is drawn back to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner because of its flexibility regarding potential routes. The carrier believes this versatility is a huge positive for them, given their significant role within the industry.

Boeing Happy With The 787s Performance

Boeing also applauds the contract, knowing how important the 787 Dreamliner is not only for Japan Airlines but also for airlines around the world.

The 787 first entered revenue service in 2011. Since then, it has allowed the opening of some 400 nonstop routes and welcomed almost 2,000 orders.

The aircraft has cemented itself as a game changer and will continue to be delivered into the 2030s as more airlines see the plane as a solution to their needs.