Just yesterday we spoke about EVA Air placing a new aircraft order, and today its all about the JAL Boeing 737 order, Japan Airlines, aka JAL, is Japan’s OG flag carrier and a masterclass in subtle sophistication. While ANA basks in the limelight with flashy PR moves, JAL quietly dominates with flawless service, premium seats, and a polished fleet. If flying were an art, JAL would be a Michelin-starred omakase, refined, deliberate, and effortlessly top-tier.
In This Post
JAL 101: The Basics
📍 Full Name: Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (日本航空株式会社)
✈ IATA Code: JL
📅 Founded: 1951 (though its roots trace back to 1950)
🏢 Headquarters: Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan
🌍 Main Hubs: Tokyo Haneda (HND) & Tokyo Narita (NRT)
🤝 Alliance: Oneworld (a longtime member)
🎟 Frequent Flyer Program: JAL Mileage Bank (JMB)
JAL’s Fleet: Streamlined, Smart, and About to Get Even Better
JAL isn’t in the business of fleet chaos. Unlike some airlines (cough American carriers cough), JAL keeps things tight and efficient with a curated selection of Boeing and Airbus jets. Less variation means smoother maintenance, better reliability, and a consistently excellent passenger experience.
Current Fleet
Long-Haul Legends
- 23 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners – Workhorses for ultra-long-haul routes.
- 22 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners – Quiet, smooth, and packed with premium cabins.
- 16 Airbus A350-900s – The new kids on the block are mostly replacing ageing 777s on domestic routes (for now).
- 8 Airbus A350-1000s – The future of JAL’s long-haul game.
- 12 Boeing 777-300ERs – The longtime backbone of JAL’s long-haul fleet, but slowly getting phased out.
- 27 Boeing 767-300ERs – Old but reliable, primarily handling medium-haul Asia routes.
Regional & Domestic Workhorses
- 42 Boeing 737-800s – For short-haul and regional hops.
- 18 Embraer E170s
- 14 Embraer E190s – Both are ideal for smaller domestic routes.
New Orders Incoming: JAL’s Glow-Up Continues
JAL is making major moves to refresh its fleet, announcing a new order for 17 more Boeing 737-8s on top of last year’s 21 Boeing 737 MAX 8, announced in 2023. This means even more next-gen narrowbodies are coming in to phase out its older Boeing 737-800s.
But that’s not all; JAL is also bringing Airbus into the mix with an order for 11 Airbus A321neos to replace its ageing Boeing 767s, particularly on key routes in and out of Haneda.
What’s on Order?
17 more Boeing 737-8s. Freshly announced, these will add to the 21 already on order. These will fully replace JAL’s Boeing 737-800 fleet, bringing better fuel efficiency and updated interiors for domestic and regional routes.
11 Airbus A321neos – A surprise twist! JAL is swapping out its Boeing 767s for Airbus A321neos, primarily for operations to and from Haneda Airport. Expect a more modern and efficient narrowbody experience tailored for key medium-haul routes.
13 Airbus A350-1000s – These are set to replace the long-haul Boeing 777-300ERs, bringing next-gen efficiency and comfort to international operations.
More Airbus A350-900s – Continuing their expansion on domestic and medium-haul routes.
The bottom line? JAL is going sleek, modern, and ultra-efficient, replacing ageing aircraft with cutting-edge jets from Boeing and Airbus.
Final Verdict: JAL – Quietly Brilliant, Unapologetically Classy
JAL doesn’t need gimmicks or over-the-top luxury to prove it’s world-class; it just is. From first-rate business class suites to economy that doesn’t feel like punishment, JAL masters the art of understated excellence.
And now, with its latest Airbus and Boeing orders, it’s future-proofing in a big way. Whether you’re flying long-haul or short-haul or just chasing the best inflight meal, JAL proves that old-school elegance (with a modern twist) still wins.
Would I fly JAL over its competitors? In a heartbeat.
