Aircraft manufacturer Boeing and the Japanese flag carrier Japan Airlines (JAL) have finalized an order for 21 737-8 aircraft.
The versatile next generation 737 MAX aircraft will further strengthen the national carriers domestic and regional network.
The move to augment the fleet comes as passenger traffic continues to return to pre-pandemic levels. JAL now plans to begin introducing the airplanes into 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.”
Greater range and efficiency
The 737 MAX will provide JAL with greater range and fuel efficiency, reducing both fuel use and carbon emissions by 15% compared to the airplanes the airline is replacing.
In addition, the 737 MAX is a quieter airplane, creating a significantly smaller noise footprint than the airplanes it replaces.
“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.”
The 737 MAX family has the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, advanced technology winglets and other aerodynamic enhancements to improve performance.
More than 50 airlines globally are operating over 900 737 MAX airplanes, which have made over 1.4 million revenue flights totalling more than 3.5 million flight hours since late 2020.
About Japan Airlines Group
apan Airlines (JAL) is the national flag carrier airline of Japan, headquartered in Tokyo. The airline was founded in 1951 and started operations the following year.
JAL operates both domestic and international flights, serving destinations in Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America.
The airline’s primary hub is Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, with secondary hubs at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Osaka’s Kansai International Airport, and Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport.
JAL is a member of the Oneworld airline alliance, which includes other major airlines such as American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific.
A member of the oneworld Alliance, the airline now reaches 411 airports in 60 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners with a modern fleet of 241 aircraft.
JAL has received numerous awards over the years for its service, safety, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
The airline is committed to promoting a sustainable future and has implemented various measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel and the implementation of eco-friendly practices in its operations.
The latest acquisition of 21 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft furthers the airline’s commitment to sustainable practice.
