Japan Airlines (JAL) has ordered a total of 42 aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus as part of its fleet renewal plan looking to enhance domestic routes and expand its international operations. 

The flag carrier airline will introduce the A321neo to its fleet for the first time with an order of 10 of the aircraft, and also add another 21 A350-900s through its deal with Airbus, while also welcoming 10 more 787-9s from Boeing. 

A statement from the airline explained: “These new aircraft introductions aim to enhance and expand the capacity of JAL’s international operations, with a primary focus on regions such as North America, Asia, and India where future growth is expected. 

“As of 2030, JAL aims to expand and grow its international network, increasing the combined supply capacity of both full-service carriers and low-cost carriers by approximately 1.4 times.” 

JAL’s selection of the A321neo is particularly interesting as it will be the first non-Boeing single-aisle aircraft in the airline’s fleet, possibly reflecting concerns over the US manufacturer’s ongoing quality control issues after a 737 MAX 9 aircraft suffered a mid-flight blow out in January. 

The smaller Airbus aircraft will be used on domestic routes with high demand for the airline, including those to and from Haneda Airport, while 20 of the larger A350-900s will be introduced on international routes for the first time. 

The other A350-900 will be used for domestic operations from FY2025 as a replacement for the aircraft that was lost to a fire after a runway crash at Haneda in January which the airline predicted would cost it more than $100m in operating losses. 

The new aircraft are scheduled to be introduced to JAL’s fleet over a six-year period starting in FY2027 and add to the company’s other recent Airbus orders for 18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s, the first of which was delivered in December.