Japan Airlines (JAL) Group has reported a rise in first fiscal year quarter profits, with revenue climbing 11.1% on the year prior to 471bn Japanese yen ($3.25bn). The airline cited decreased fuel costs, a strong yen and solid growth in international passenger demand as contributing factors to the positive result.
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) more than doubled to 45.5bn yen ($310 million), while net profit jumped 93.7% to 27bn yen ($0.19bn). JAL’s core full-service carrier business saw revenue grow 10.4% to 369.3bn yen ($2.55bn) driven by a sustained recovery in international travel, while EBIT surged 288.3% to 30.7bn yen ($0.21bn).
Operating expenses rose 7.2% to 435.4bn yen ($3bn), due to ongoing investment in human capital and general inflation.
International passenger numbers rose 11.7% during the three-month period, with domestic passenger numbers climbing 13.3%.
JAL’s low-cost carrier business, led by ZIPAIR and SPRING JAPAN, posted a 23.2% revenue increase to 30.4bn yen ($0.21bn). EBIT rose 91.9% to 4.2bn yen ($0.03bn). ZIPAIR’s performance was lifted by strong inbound traffic and the launch of its Houston route in March. SPRING JAPAN reported steady growth on routes to major Chinese cities.
Cargo operations also delivered gains, with international cargo revenue bolstered by expanded freighter routes and rising demand from Asia to North America. Domestically, cargo volumes benefited from joint operations with Yamato Group.
During the quarter, JAL launched new international routes, including Tokyo Narita to Chicago on May 31, now operating twice daily in combination with Haneda flights. The Tokyo Haneda to Los Angeles route introduced the airline's A350-1000 on June 30, with fleet expansion ongoing.
JAL maintained its full-year forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2026, expecting consolidated revenue of 1.977 trillion yen ($13.63bn), EBIT of 200bn yen ($1.38bn), and net profit of 115bn yen ($0.79bn). The annual dividend is forecast to remain at 92 yen ($0.63) per share.