Japan Airlines is close to finalising an order for at least twenty Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to refresh its medium-range fleet, according to industry sources quoted by Bloomberg. The order could be finalised by the end of this month.
Japan Airlines would go for the 737 MAX
According to Reuters, the Japanese carrier confirmed it was in talks with the aim of formalising an order, but did not comment further. A Japan Airlines spokesman said: «We are still at the stage of negotiation, so we cannot provide details».
According to reports, the order would be for a combination of 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 10 aircraft. If finalised, it would be a victory for the American manufacturer over Airbus, its main competitor. The airline has also reportedly been in contact with the European manufacturer because of its interest in the A320neo family, a direct competitor to the 737 MAX.
However, Japan’s domestic market has traditionally been dominated by Boeing. In July 2022, All Nippon Airways (ANA) became the first operator in the country to order airplanes of its latest single-aisle model.
Increased efficiency in the medium-range fleet
Japan Airlines currently operates more than forty Boeing 737-800. A gradual replacement with the 737 MAX would allow it to reduce operating costs and optimise its overall business.
The new aircraft consume less fuel compared to the Next Generation (NG) family and reduce carbon emissions by up to 20%. In addition, their noise impact is considerably lower.
See also: New York is Japan Airlines’ first Airbus A350-1000 destination
