AirJapan Adding More Boeing 787s

AirJapan will finally grow its fleet with the expected addition of another Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2026.

Since launching as part of the ANA Group, AirJapan has developed relatively slowly. It still only has two Dreamliners to its name, all for the smallest variant in the family, the 787-8.

The delivery of a third 787-8 has been speculated for some time; however, it now seems to have been confirmed. Another aircraft will join in 2026 to help launch new routes and add capacity across Asia.

AirJapan previously unveiled guidance that it would look to start growing its operation once more in FY2025, which extends into the 2026 calendar year.

ANA launched this brand, and the aircraft this low-cost unit flies were previously operated by ANA. This means that the growth of the new business depends on how the mainline operator is fairing with renewal, deliveries, and more.

Unfortunately, there have been many recent complications in the acquisition of 787 jets, which have delayed the delivery to airlines such as ANA. This has also meant aircraft swaps have not been able to occur as intended.

But Who Are AirJapan?

AirJapan is relatively new to the aviation industry. Launched in 2024 to offer international routes covering Asia, this is intended to be a low-cost carrier.

Fundamentally, AirJapan is also just one of the three core brands across the ANA Group. The mainline division is refocusing its priorities, aiming to elevate the business further in future decades.

Mainline ANA shipped some of its Boeing 787s to aid in AirJapan’s launch plans. This method has been used with other airlines before. In this instance, the aircraft were repainted and reconfigured to feature the newest product, giving the jets a clean and fresh slate.

Upon launch, the airline didn’t expand quickly; instead, it focused on offering three modest routes in its first year of operation to learn the basics. This slowed growth operation is to be more feasible moving forward, rather than expanding too quickly.

Moreover, the launch of AirJapan is crucial in the Japanese industry, as there is greater competition within this country and across Asia.

ANA believes that it needs a genuine low-cost competitor, with aircraft like the 787 serving markets across Asia, so its mainline division does not suffer quality drops to accommodate lower airfares.