JAL - Japan Airlines (JL, Tokyo Haneda) will start taking delivery of twenty-one B737-8s in 2026 after locking in a firm order with Boeing. The commitment forms part of the carrier's fleet renewal strategy, with the aircraft flagged to replace existing B737-800s.
According to ch-aviation fleets data, there are forty-three B737-800s at Japan Airlines, thirteen B737-800s at subsidiary JTA - Japan Transocean Air (NU, Okinawa Naha), and six of the type at Spring (IJ, Tokyo Narita). JAL Group has not disclosed if the MAX 8s are exclusively for its mainline or if they will also be distributed among its subsidiaries
In a statement, Japan Airlines said the incoming aircraft would "strengthen its domestic and regional network" and push the airline towards its 2050 carbon-neutral goals. "We are delighted to select the Boeing 737-8," said Japan Airlines' president, Yuji Akasaka.
The order continues the carrier's long-standing preference for Boeing aircraft and confirms reports earlier this month that the MAX had edged out the Airbus options put forward. The B737-8s are the only Japan Airlines aircraft on order at Boeing. The airline also has two A350-900s and thirteen A350-1000s due from Airbus.
"The integration of the new 737 MAX will provide JAL with greater efficiency across its short-haul network," said Boeing President and CEO Stan Deal. "Partnering with JAL to introduce 737-8s into its operations is the latest milestone in our longstanding relationship."
