Japan Airlines expands orders with Boeing and Airbus for domestic fleet renewal

The revised order of 38 Boeing 737 MAX 8s aligns closely with the airline's current fleet of 45 Boeing 737-800 variants. JAL emphasized its commitment to sustainability, noting that "by upgrading to more fuel-efficient aircraft, the company is committed to further reducing CO2 emissions, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future. "

Japan Airlines' existing fleet includes some of its oldest aircraft, averaging around 14.9 years old. This age surpasses the airline's overall average fleet age of ten years. Currently, their 767-300ER and 777-300ER widebodies are older than their narrowbody counterparts.

According to Cirium data from April 2025, JAL operates primarily domestic flights with their Boeing 737-800, scheduling approximately 6,764 domestic flights compared to just 176 international ones involving China and Taiwan.

On international routes, Japan Airlines configures its Boeing 737-800 aircraft with twelve four-abreast business class seats and 132 economy class seats. Domestically configured versions have higher densities featuring twenty five- abreast business class seats and 145 economy class seats.

Apart from introducing Boeing 737 MAX aircraft starting in fiscal year 2026, JAL also plans to add eleven Airbus A321neo models beginning in fiscal year 2028. These will specifically replace Boeing 767s at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND).

This dual introduction marks part of a broader fleet modernization program, which aims at supporting growth through adding approximately ninety new aircraft overall. The airline believes that "renewing the fleet in line with supply and demand will further enhance profitability," highlighting additional orders for Airbus A350 and Boeing widebody planes.