Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced it will introduce 17 additional Boeing 737-8 (737 MAX 8) aircraft to its fleet, while doubling the size of the fleet of its long-haul budget subsidiary ZIPAIR Tokyo.
Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced it will introduce 17 additional Boeing 737-8 (737 MAX 8) aircraft to its fleet, while doubling the size of the fleet of its long-haul budget subsidiary ZIPAIR Tokyo.
The Tokyo, Japan-based airline announced the decision to add more MAX 8s after its order for 21 of the narrowbody aircraft from Boeing. The 737 MAX 8s will replace the 737-800 aircraft currently used mainly on domestic routes.
In addition, 11 Airbus A321neo aircraft will be introduced to replace the widebody Boeing 767 aircraft primarily used on domestic routes to/from its Haneda hub.
According to JAL, the MAX 8s will be introduced starting in FY2026, while the A321neos in FY2028.
Shift of 787s to ZIPAIR Tokyo
For its international network, JAL plans to introduce 10 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and 20 A350-900 aircraft.
Long-haul budget subsidiary ZIPAIR Tokyo will add 10 787-9 Dreamliners – reassigned from JAL - to its fleet. The move will double ZIPAIR Tokyo's fleet to around 20 by the early 2030s, as it currently operates 8 787-8s to 10 international destinations. Two more 787-8s are expected to join its fleet.
ZIPAIR Tokyo reported that the first 787-9 from JAL is expected to be shifted to the carrier during FY2027.
According to JAL, it expects to expand its international business by around 1.5 times during the FY2030 compared to FY2023.
“The business will particularly expand by increasing the number of flights, especially on North American and Asian routes, which are expected to see significant growth in the future, and by increasing the number of seats offered through larger aircraft, thus improving service quality and convenience,” JAL wrote in its statement.
“By accelerating the introduction of state-of-the-art aircraft, JAL strives to significantly enhance the quality of service provided to customers. Additionally, by upgrading to more fuel-efficient aircraft, the company is committed to further reducing CO2 emissions, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future,” the airline added.
Including the 737-8 aircraft, JAL Group will have a total of approximately 90 aircraft in its fleet and is preparing for the introduction of new aircraft with a flexible fleet plan.
Powered by Froala Editor