Japan Airlines Explores Options for New Regional Aircraft Fleet
Japan Airlines Group (JAL) is reportedly exploring options for “successor aircraft types” to enhance its regional fleet. Currently, the airline operates a diverse mix of aircraft but aims to streamline this by transitioning to a single aircraft type in the future.
As reported in the airline’s annual report released on October 1, 2025, JAL is attentively monitoring future demand trends to guide its decisions on regional fleet replacements. Presently, the airline operates five main aircraft types in its regional fleet.
According to ch-aviation, the current fleet includes 18 Embraer E170s, 14 Embraer E190s, 13 ATR42s, two ATR 72s, and five De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Q400s. Although the report does not specify a consolidation into a single aircraft type, such a strategy would likely be beneficial both economically and operationally.
By 2030, JAL plans to have approximately two-thirds of its domestic fleet comprised of ‘small aircraft,’ specifically referring to its narrowbody lineup. This adjustment aims to better align supply with demand and enhance profitability on short-haul and regional flights. Currently, about 58% of the fleet consists of narrowbody aircraft.
In contrast, the percentage of ‘large aircraft’ (widebodies) operating on domestic routes is anticipated to rise from 19% to 24% by 2030, thanks to the arrival of more A350s. Meanwhile, the usage of Boeing 787s (of which JAL has 45, with ten more on order) and 767s (24 in total) is expected to decline from 19% down to 13% as older 767s are phased out.
The retirement of the airline’s first 767-300ER occurred in September 2024, marking the beginning of a planned retirement of this aircraft type over the coming years.
Fleet Replacement Program Underway
JAL’s regional fleet replacement initiative aligns with a broader fleet modernization strategy. Earlier in 2025, the airline revealed plans to add 17 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, complementing a previous order of 21 units made in March 2023. This move is intended to replace the existing Boeing 737-800 aircraft on domestic routes.
Simultaneously, the airline is phasing out older aircraft models. In 2024, JAL ordered 11 Airbus A321neos to take over domestic flights previously operated by Boeing 767s.
Moreover, during the Farnborough Air Show in 2024, JAL placed a firm order for 20 additional A350-900 widebody jets, alongside 13 A350-1000s. These new additions are aimed at replacing aging Boeing 777-300ER aircraft used for international travel.
What Aircraft Types Might JAL Consider?
Given the variety of regional aircraft in its current lineup and a recent shift towards Airbus jets, it’s plausible that JAL may consider adding more Embraer E2 regional jets or even Airbus A220s in the future.
Additionally, JAL Group has formed a partnership with hybrid-electric startup MAEVE Aerospace for the development of the MaeveJet, a 100-seat regional aircraft. However, no orders for this innovative aircraft have been finalized as of yet.
If JAL chooses the Embraer option, it would follow in the footsteps of All Nippon Airways, which placed a significant order for Embraer jets in February 2025 to integrate E-Jets into its fleet for the first time. The order included 20 E190-E2 aircraft, which are expected to improve ANA’s response to market fluctuations, lower costs, and enhance profitability. Deliveries are anticipated to commence in the 2028 fiscal year, as ANA gears up to cater to an increasing number of passengers on routes to Japan.
