Wed Mar 19 13:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Japan Airlines Expands Fleet with Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus Orders
**Tokyo, Japan** – Japan Airlines (JAL) announced a significant expansion of its fleet, ordering 17 additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to support its long-term growth strategy. This brings JAL’s total 737 MAX orders to 38, with deliveries expected to begin in April 2026. These new planes will replace the airline’s aging 737-800s, primarily used for domestic routes.
The announcement follows JAL’s substantial purchases at the 2024 Farnborough Air Show, including 11 Airbus A321neos (to replace 767s on domestic flights), 20 Airbus A350-900s (for international routes), and 10 Boeing 787-9s (some destined for its low-cost subsidiary, Zipair). These orders, combined with the new 737 MAX purchase, bring JAL’s total aircraft commitments to nearly 90.
In other news, JAL has also launched a codeshare agreement with Kalitta Air for cargo flights between Tokyo Narita and Chicago, starting May 10th. This partnership will utilize Kalitta’s 777-300ERSF freighters to meet growing cargo demand between Asia and North America. JAL recently restarted its own dedicated freighter operations after a 14-year hiatus.
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