All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), the two largest airlines in Japan, are reportedly engaged in advanced discussions with Airbus and Boeing regarding potential aircraft acquisitions. Official announcements are expected to be made during the upcoming Paris Air Show.
According to reliable sources, ANA is considering placing orders for up to 50 Airbus A321neo jets, which offer enhanced fuel efficiency and extended range compared to older Boeing models. Additionally, ANA aims to expand its fleet of Boeing 787 widebody aircraft.
During the IATA annual general meeting, ANA President Shinichi Inoue expressed the airline’s plan to introduce short-to-mid-haul aircraft, aiming to surpass its pre-pandemic fleet size by 2030. ANA intends to replace its aging Boeing 767s and remaining 737s.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) Current Fleet and Future Plans:
- Airbus
- A320-200 3 Currently parked
- A320neo 0 Expected to order up to 50
- A321neo 0 Expected to order up to 50
- Boeing
- 737-800 42 To be replaced by Boeing 737 MAX
- 737 MAX 0 Ordered 21, to be delivered from 2026
- 767-300ER 27 To be replaced by Boeing 787 or Airbus A321neo
- 777-200ER 7 To be phased out
- 777-300ER 22 To be phased out
- 787-8 36 To be increased to more than 100 by 2030
- 787-9 35 To be increased to more than 100 by 2030
- 787-10 2 To be increased to more than 100 by 2030
Japan Airlines also seeks to replace its fleet of 767s and remaining 737s, while phasing out the larger 777 model. Senior Vice President Ross Leggett mentioned that JAL is considering various options, including the A321neo and the Boeing 787, although no final decisions have been made yet.
Japan Airlines (JAL) Current Fleet and Future Plans:
- Airbus
- A350-900 16 Replacing Boeing 777 family
- A350-1000 0 Ordered 13
- Boeing
- 737-800 43 To be replaced by Boeing 737 MAX
- 737 MAX 8 0 Ordered 21, to be delivered from 2026
- 767-300ER 27 To be replaced by Boeing 787 or Airbus A321neo
- 767-300BCF 0 Ordered 3, to be delivered from 2023
- 777-200ER 1 To be retired and replaced by Airbus A350 family
- 777-300ER 13 To be retired and replaced by Airbus A350 family
- 787-8 24 No change
- 787-9 22 No change
Both ANA and JAL are expected to diversify their aircraft orders, selecting models from multiple manufacturers based on their respective route networks and demand projections. Airbus has made significant progress in the Japanese market, with the A321neo emerging as one of its top-selling models globally.
Airbus and Boeing have chosen not to comment on the potential orders at this time. The Paris Air Show, scheduled for June 19-25, serves as a major platform for aviation industry players to announce new deals and showcase their latest products.
