- Joe Breitfeller
Japan Airlines Orders 21 Boeing 737-8 MAX Jets to Support Fleet Renewal
Japan Airlines has placed a firm order for 21 Boeing 737-8 MAX airplanes, as the carrier grows their sustainable world-class fleet. JAL will begin introducing the new airplanes into their fleet from 2026.
On Thursday (March 23, 2023), Boeing announced that Japan Airlines has placed a firm order for 21 Boeing 737-8 MAX jets, which will be delivered from 2026. The versatile 737-8 will provide JAL with greater range and fuel efficiency, delivering a fuel consumption and emissions reduction of 15 percent, while providing a substantially smaller noise footprint compared to the aircraft they will replace. As the carrier grows their sustainable world-class fleet, the new jets will position the airline to strengthen their domestic and regional network as passenger traffic continues to return to pre-pandemic levels.
In Thursday’s announcement, Japan Airlines’ President, Yuji Akasaka, said,
“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. 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.”
Also commenting on the 737-8 MAX order, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ President and CEO, Stan Deal, added,
“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. Partnering with JAL to introduce 737-8s into its operations is the latest milestone in our longstanding relationship.”
The Boeing 737 MAX Family features the latest generation CFM International LEAP-1B engines, advanced technology winglets and other aerodynamic enhancements. Currently, over 50 airlines worldwide are operating more than 900 737 MAX airplanes, which have already completed over 1.4 million passenger revenue flights, and accruing more than 3.5 million flight hours since late 2020.
Founded in 1951, Japan Airlines (JAL) became Japan’s first international airline. A member of the oneworld® global alliance, the carrier currently serves 411 airports in 60 countries and regions together with their codeshare partners with a modern fleet of 241 aircraft. The carrier’s loyalty program, JAL Mileage Bank (JMB), is one of the largest mileage programs in Asia. Japan Airlines has been awarded as one of the most punctual major international airlines and holds a 5-Star rating from Skytrax and a ‘World Class’ airline designation by APEX. JAL is committed to the highest levels of safety and quality in all aspects of service, and to becoming one of the most preferred airlines in the world.
Boeing (NYSE: BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Source(s): Boeing/PRNewswire, Japan Airlines