Japan Airlines (JAL) will purchase an additional 17 737 MAX 8 aircraft from Boeing, building on an original order of 21 MAX 8 jets that was placed with the manufacturer in March 2023. This latest acquisition is part of JAL’s broader fleet renewal strategy, aimed at modernising operations.
This order of new Boeing aircraft is set to replace JALs current fleet of 737-800 jets, that mainly serve on domestic routes within Japan. The airline said it expects to begin introducing the new 737 MAX 8 aircraft from fiscal year 2026.
This latest narrowbody order also complements JAL's existing purchase of 11 A321neo aircraft, which are set to replace the airline’s aging 767 fleet. Scheduled for delivery from fiscal year 2028, these aircraft will be deployed on routes from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
“Renewing the fleet in line with supply and demand will further enhance profitability,” said a statement from the airline.
Beyond narrowbody acquisitions, these purchases add to the airline’s firm order of 10 787-9s and 20 A350-900 aircraft that were placed at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2024.
Additionally, JAL’s low-cost subsidiary ZIPAIR will also expand its fleet, adding 787-9 aircraft reassigned from JAL.
Including this latest order of 737 MAX 8 aircraft, the JAL Group's fleet will grow to approximately 90 aircraft.
This order is also part of a flexible fleet strategy, with JAL securing new aircraft early to support long-term expansion beyond 2030.