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Japan Airlines outlines plan for major fleet renewal and expansion through to 2030

Japan Airlines outlines plan for major fleet renewal and expansion through to 2030
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Mitsuko Tottori, CEO | Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines has detailed its planned fleet transformation through 2030, focusing on modernizing both domestic and international operations with more fuel-efficient aircraft. The announcement was made in the airline’s annual report released on October 1.

According to the report, Japan Airlines intends to expand its long-haul route network by up to 50% by 2030, with a particular emphasis on North America and Asia. To support this expansion, the airline placed an order for an additional 20 Airbus A350-900s at last year’s Farnborough Airshow. These new aircraft will help replace older Boeing 777 models and enable further international growth.

For domestic routes, Japan Airlines is awaiting delivery of 38 Boeing 737 MAX 8s following an order for 17 more units earlier this year. These jets will replace the current fleet of Boeing 737-800s, with deliveries starting next year. The company also plans to reduce the use of widebody aircraft domestically; while widebodies now account for nearly half of all seats flown on domestic routes, narrowbody planes are expected to make up two-thirds of domestic capacity by the end of the decade.

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A significant factor behind these changes is improved fuel efficiency as part of Japan Airlines’ goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Over the next five years, the share of next-generation aircraft in its fleet is projected to rise from 45% today to 73% in 2030. Mitsuko Tottori, president of Japan Airlines, stated:

"The next generation aircraft being introduced to the fleet are low-noise and fuel-efficient, capable of providing CO₂ emissions reductions of 15–25% compared to the current aircraft that we operate."

The airline currently operates a mainline fleet consisting of five variants across approximately 150 planes but aims to consolidate down to four variants over time. Its oldest types—the Boeing 767 and Boeing 777—are gradually being retired and replaced primarily by Airbus A350s and Boeing Dreamliners (787-8/9).

Japan Airlines’ remaining ten Boeing 777-300ERs are being phased out in favor of Airbus A350-1000s used exclusively on long-haul flights such as those serving London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Meanwhile, A350-900s continue operating high-capacity domestic routes like Tokyo-Sapporo and Tokyo-Fukuoka; upcoming deliveries include replacements for recently lost aircraft as well as internationally configured versions set for service beginning in 2027.

As for regional operations managed through four subsidiaries—J Air, Japan Air Commuter, Hokkaido Air System, and Ryukyu Air Commuter—the carrier is evaluating options for standardizing its regional jet fleet. Possibilities include consolidating around Embraer E2 series jets or ATR turboprops. Another potential option involves partnership with Maeve Aerospace—a Dutch startup developing a hybrid-electric regional plane designed for substantial fuel savings.

The outlined strategy underscores Japan Airlines’ commitment to sustainability goals while adapting its fleet composition to anticipated market demand trends over the coming decade.

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