JAL - Japan Airlines (JL, Tokyo Haneda) and JAL Engineering have signed a memorandum of understanding with Maeve Aerospace to assist in the development of MAEVE Jet, a new hybrid-electric regional aircraft with a targeted entry into service in 2033.

The Japanese flag carrier and its engineering arm will provide expertise in aircraft design, operations, and customer support framework establishment. Maeve Aerospace and Japan Airlines plan to study operational procedures for the proposed aircraft design and analyse requirements for potential deployment in Japan.

The two companies are also considering opening MRO facilities to support the operations of the new aircraft.

Maeve Aerospace expects that the MAEVE Jet will be able to accommodate between 76 and 100 passengers and have a range of 950 to 1,450 nautical miles (1,759-2,685 kilometres). The company promises significant fuel savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions due to the use of hybrid engines. The aircraft will be propelled by new-generation open-rotor, rear-mounted engines developed by Pratt & Whitney Canada. The smaller variant is aimed at complying with the United States' scope clause agreements, which would allow regional capacity providers to add the aircraft.

The first flight is currently expected in 2030.