Why Did Japan Airlines Order More Aircraft?

At the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, Japan Airlines was one of the many companies that confirmed the purchase of new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.

The significant commitment made headlines worldwide, but what led Japan Airlines to come to such agreements, and how will it aid them in the future?

The Airbus Order

One of the first parts of the purchase was for Airbus aircraft, and quite a considerable order as well. Japan Airlines confirmed the pre-arranged commitment announced earlier this year, which focused on two popular aircraft types in the European planemaker’s portfolio.

The widebody A350-900 played the first part in the deal. Japan Airlines said it would order 20 units, technically receiving 21 when factoring in the written-off unit involved in the horrific incident at the beginning of the calendar year.

Away from the commitment to further A350s, an aircraft it knows and loves, it purchased its first single-aisle jet from Airbus, the A321neo, with 11 units ordered.

The A321neos will considerably benefit the airline looking well into the future, this being the enhanced variant of the A320neo, which boasts fantastic levels of capacity,

For now, however, the desire for the extended-range variant in the A321XLR isn’t apparent. The airline cites that the Neos will be part of an overhaul to the domestic network across Japan, with greater efficiency to be felt.

The Airbus A350-900s are typically seen across the regional network. One of the key attributes that makes the A350 series so favourable is its diverse uses. Whether in the -900 or the -1000, airlines make and choose how they configure and operate the type.

However, the next batch of A350s may avoid the more traditional usage as the airline focuses on these planes for international markets, again representing a strategy shift from what has typically been seen for A350-900 operations.

Japan Airlines Orders Boeing Planes

Boeing was another integral part of the most recent order. The airline announced it would commit to 10 more 787-9s and 10 options to activate these later if it wishes.

The purchase of these planes is also important for the international network. The carrier has cited strong demand for international markers from Japan and believes adding more 787s will be necessary.

But Why?

But why the critical question? Why is the airline adding to its already robust portfolio of aircraft? Well, the airline cites fleet renewal efforts as one of the vital elements it considered before making these deals firm.

According to several high-end executives, Japan Airlines is renewing its fleet and focusing on implementing next-gen, and several purchases will help accelerate the renewal plans.

While much focus is placed on introducing these new planes, streamlining will have many associated benefits. For example, implementing new planes will bring benefits, including financials, customer satisfaction levels, and many other enhancements.

These new plans are also going to be crucial in replacing older ones. Not all are being ordered for growth but rather to continue phasing out older planes. Streamlining to fewer aircraft types but equally capable ones will lessen complexities.

For example, the airline still flies the 777-300ER, which has been in service for an average of almost 20 years and will be phased out. Furthermore, Japan Airlines also flies 767s, which have been in service for an average of 17.2 years. The airline believes moving towards just the Airbus A350 and 787 for widebody flying would be the most optimal decision. They wouldn’t be the first and likely not the last.

It’s also important to consider that the Asian landscape is highly competitive. Simply put, JAL can’t get complacent, and it needs to continue innovating to ensure its end-of-the-market share remains high.

The Delivery Schedule

So let’s dive a bit more into the purchase; the expectation is the A321neos will begin to be delivered from 2028 onwards with a focus again on the domestic network. Meanwhile, the A350-900s are cited as being able to reach markets such as India and Asia.

However, because of high-growth regions such as North America, the possibilities for deployment are undoubtedly endless, and that’s why the company are excited about the future. These A350s and even the top-up 787s will arrive one year prior, with delivery scheduled from 2027 onwards.