TOKYO- Japan Airlines (JL) or JAL today (March 19, 2025) announced plans to acquire 17 additional Boeing 737-8 aircraft and 11 Airbus A321neo.
This procurement follows JAL’s March 2023 order for 21 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, creating a substantial fleet modernization initiative aimed at replacing the ageing Boeing 737-800 aircraft currently operating on domestic routes.
JAL 737-8 Flying over Mt. Fuji – March 2023; photo- Japan Airlines OfficialJapan Airlines New Order
Before these recent orders, JAL made significant fleet commitments that laid the groundwork for its current expansion strategy.
In 2013, the airline placed its first order for 31 Airbus A350 aircraft, marking a historic shift as JAL had previously operated primarily Boeing aircraft. This was followed by a 2019 order for additional A350-900s and the larger A350-1000 variant to replace its ageing Boeing 777 fleet.
JAL began operating the A350-900 on domestic routes in 2019 and later introduced the aircraft on international services, demonstrating the carrier’s progressive approach to fleet modernization that continues with the latest Boeing orders.
“We are delighted to select the Boeing 737-8, a member of the very latest 737MAX family, to replace our Boeing 737-800s, which make up the largest proportion of the JAL Group’s fleet. We look forward to carrying our passengers in the utmost safety and comfort, and to moving closer to our 2050 carbon-neutral goals thanks to a combination of these super-efficient aircraft, operational innovations and new fuel-saving technologies.”
-Yuji Akasaka (President of Japan Airlines) in Press Release, March 2023, Japan Airlines
JAL fleet breakdown; Photo- JAL OfficialJAL will introduce 11 Airbus A321neo aircraft to replace Boeing 767 aircraft primarily serving Haneda (HND) routes. This strategic fleet renewal matches aircraft capacity with market demand to enhance profitability across JAL’s network.
ZIP AIR, subsidiary of JAL; By Masakatsu Ukon, Wikimedia CommonsExpansion Plans
The airline has outlined significant growth plans for its international operations, with orders for 10 Boeing 787-9 aircraft and 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. ZIPAIR (ZG), JAL’s subsidiary, will receive Boeing 787-9 aircraft reassigned from JAL’s existing fleet.
By the fiscal year 2030, JAL projects its international business will expand approximately 1.5 times compared to the fiscal year 2023 levels. This growth encompasses both full-service carriers and low-cost carriers within the JAL Group.
JAL will increase flight frequencies on North American and Asian routes, which the company identifies as markets with significant growth potential. The airline will deploy larger aircraft on these routes to increase seat capacity while enhancing service quality and passenger convenience.
Including the newly announced Boeing 737-8 aircraft, the JAL Group will operate approximately 90 aircraft. The company has implemented a flexible fleet plan with early aircraft orders to support growth projections beyond 2030.
By accelerating the introduction of state-of-the-art aircraft, JAL aims to significantly enhance customer service quality. The fleet modernization program will replace older aircraft with more fuel-efficient models, supporting JAL’s commitment to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability.
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