Boeing Co. confirmed reports that it has an order to supply Japan Airlines Co. with 21 new 737 MAX-8 aircraft, a deal reportedly worth $2.5 billion. Deliveries for the new narrow-body aircraft will begin in 2026, according to Boeing.
The new jets will be JAL’s first 737 MAX models, and will replace its 737-800 aircraft, according to JAL president Yuji Akasaka. Those jets represent the largest proportion of JAL’s current 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," Akasaka said.
Adding the new 737s will aid JAL’s efforts to modernize its fleet as travel volumes on domestic and regional routes recover their pre-pandemic levels of service.
The 737 MAX is Boeing’s best-selling aircraft, with a net total of 561 ordered in 2022, as it began to recover orders following the 2019-2020 grounding that resulted from two deadly accidents. With over 4,200 outstanding orders, Boeing is planning to establish a fourth assembly line for 737 MAX series jets in the second half of 2024.
"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," according to Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal.
