Japan Airlines (JAL) has placed a firm order for 21 737-8 aircraft. Boeing claims that the 737-8 will position JAL to strengthen its domestic and regional network as passenger traffic continues to return to pre-pandemic levels. JAL will begin inducting the planes in its fleet from 2026.
"We are delighted to select the Boeing 737-8, a member of the very latest 737 MAX family, to replace our Boeing 737-800s, which make up the largest proportion of the JAL Group's fleet," said Yuji Akasaka, president of Japan Airlines. "We look forward to carrying our passengers in the utmost safety and comfort and to moving closer to our 2050 carbon-neutral goals, thanks to a combination of these super-efficient aircraft, operational innovations and new fuel-saving technologies."
Describing the features of the 737 MAX, Boeing said that the aircraft will provide JAL with greater range and fuel efficiency, reducing both fuel use and carbon emissions by 15% along with a smaller noise footprint, thereby optimising JAL's single aisle operations.
"The integration of the new 737 MAX will provide JAL with greater efficiency across its short-haul network, as the airline continues to upgrade its world-class fleet," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Partnering with JAL to introduce 737-8s into its operations is the latest milestone in our longstanding relationship.