ZIPAIR, JAL’s Low-Cost Carrier, to Double Fleet with Boeing 787-9 Aircraft
Japan Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, ZIPAIR, will significantly expand its fleet by adding around ten Boeing 787-9s, which will be transferred from its parent company. This will effectively double ZIPAIR’s current fleet.
The first Boeing 787-9s are expected to join ZIPAIR’s operations in 2027, with the final aircraft arriving by the early 2030s. Currently, ZIPAIR operates eight Boeing 787-8s, all of which were transferred from JAL, and plans to add two more by 2026.
Japan Airlines (JAL) also announced plans to add 17 Boeing 737-8s to its fleet as part of its strategy to replace the current Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This move follows JAL’s order for 21 Boeing 737-8s in March 2023, bringing the total number of 737-8s to 38. The aircraft will primarily operate on domestic routes within Japan, with deliveries expected to begin in the 2026 fiscal year (April 2026–March 2027).
These aircraft will be powered by CFM International LEAP engines, and it is anticipated that the additional 737-8s will also feature the same engine type. It remains unclear whether JAL will purchase or dry-lease the new aircraft.
JAL’s total order book includes 69 aircraft, with deliveries of 11 A321-200Ns, four A350-1000s, 23 A350-900s, and 10 Boeing 787-9s still pending. These additions will enhance both JAL and ZIPAIR’s fleets as they work to expand their operations in the coming years.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com