Farnborough, UK. Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A350-900 widebody aircraft and 11 single-aisle A321neo, finalising a commitment announced earlier this year.
The order was announced at the Farnborough Air Show 2024 during a signing ceremony with Yukio Nakagawa, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines, and Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.
The new A350-900s will join the carrier’s A350 fleet serving international routes, while the A321neo will operate on domestic services within Japan. To date, JAL has ordered a total of 52 A350s, with 18 in service. The A321neo contract represents JAL’s first order for the Airbus single-aisle product line.
Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines Yukio Nakagawa said, “We are delighted to have signed the firm order for the introduction of additional A350s and new A321s. We will accelerate the introduction of the state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO₂ emissions. We believe that this additional introduction of Airbus aircraft will further deepen our partnership.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft business, Airbus, Christian Scherer said, “We thank Japan Airlines for placing its confidence once again in the A350. In addition, we celebrate a new milestone in our partnership with the airline following its order for the A321neo. We are committed to providing our full support to Japan Airlines as its growing fleet is deployed on more routes across its network, both domestically and internationally.”
The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long-range leader in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s all-new design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. By the end of June 2024, the A350 Family had won more than 1,300 firm orders from 60 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. To da3te more than 6,400 A321neos have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
