Japan Airlines Signs New Deal for Boeing 737 MAX

For a while, reports of Japan Airlines (JAL), placing an order for Boeing's Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have been circulated.

Both JAL and the airline have now confirmed that they will indeed go ahead with the plan, placing an order for 21 MAX aircrafts. This order is part JAL's fleet renewal plan, and the planes will be joining JAL's fleet in three years.

21 Boeing 737 MAX planes

Japan Airlines has placed a firm order to purchase 21 Boeing 737-8 jets. According to reports, the airline had been in discussions with Boeing and Airbus about a contract for its fleet renewal program. Boeing won this round. Japan Airlines president Yuji Akasaka commented.

"We are delighted to select the Boeing 737-8, a member of the very latest 737 MAX family, to replace our Boeing 737-800s, which make up the largest proportion of the JAL Group's 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."

JAL will use the 737-8 to strengthen its regional and domestic network, as passenger traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels. The airline expects to add the aircraft to its fleet by 2026.

Continue with the 737 series

For a long time, rumors circulated that Japan Airlines preferred Boeing to Airbus for its MAX plane. Boeing is certain to be pleased with the order which cements the MAX’s credibility around the globe. Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented.

"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. Partnering with JAL to introduce 737-8s into its operations is the latest milestone in our longstanding relationship."

Japan Airlines operates a fleet of 43 Boeing 737-8800 planes. It flies both domestic and medium-haul routes within Asia, according to ch-aviation. These planes average a little more than 13 years in age.

Boeing adds to its orders

Boeing has received several other orders in recent months, including the current agreement with Japan Airlines. Boeing received a huge order from Saudi Arabian airlines worth nearly $37 billion last week. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment fund was instrumental in the order. As firm orders, 78 Boeing 787s were placed. 43 additional options were also added.

Saudia will receive 78 aircraft, while Riyadh Air recently announced it would split the aircraft. Riyadh Air aims to have more than 100 routes by the end the decade. Saudia will receive 39 7877-9s and -10s, while Riyadh Air receives 39 7897-9s with the option of ten or 33.

Air India also signed a letter indicating intent with Boeing in February for 220 aircraft, but these numbers are not listed in Boeing's order books as the deal is not yet finalized. It includes 190 MAX, 20 787s and ten 777X aircraft.

Source: simpleflying.com