Japan Airlines mulls short-haul fleet replacement

JAPAN Airlines is considering replacing its older Boeing 737 short-haul fleet with more modern and fuel-efficient models, said people familiar with the matter.

The airline, which operates 45 of the 737 jets with an average age of about 12.5 years, is currently deciding between the 737 Max range and Airbus SE’s rival A320neo family, the sources said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private.

An order could be for anywhere between 30 and 50 of the narrow-body jets, the sources added. Deliberations are preliminary and no final decisions have been made, they noted.

Japan Airlines and Boeing did not immediately respond to requests for comment. An Airbus spokesman said the manufacturer is always in contact with existing and potential customers but that any discussions are by nature confidential.

Airlines globally are in the midst of overhauling their fleets as travel surges back after 2 years of being virtually off limits during the pandemic. Japan is considering expanding a domestic travel subsidy programme to bolster its tourism industry, local media reported earlier this month, even as the country continues to cap overseas visitor numbers.

Japan’s tourist sector has suffered more than most in Asia because the nation has been slow to reopen to foreigners. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said late last month that some package-tour visitors would be allowed from Jun 10, under quite strict conditions. BLOOMBERG