Japan Airlines Orders More Boeing 737-8 Jets Amid Global Fleet Expansion Plans

Boeing Co. BA is expanding its presence in Japan Airlines JAPSY JPNRF fleet, which announced Wednesday an order for 17 more Boeing 737-8 jets to replace aging 737-800s on domestic routes. The move builds on a March 2023 order of 21 jets, supporting Japan Airlines' ongoing narrow body fleet modernization.

Japan Airlines will introduce 11 Airbus SE EADSY A321new aircraft to replace Boeing 767s on routes to and from Haneda Airport, aligning fleet upgrades with demand and enhancing profitability.

On the international front, Japan Airlines plans to add 10 Boeing 787-9 and 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, while its low-cost subsidiary ZIPAIR will operate additional 787-9s reassigned from Japan Airlines. By fiscal year 2030, the group aims to grow its international business by 1.5× compared to FY2023, with a focus on expanding capacity on high-growth North American and Asian routes.

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With the addition of the new 737-8 jets, the Japan Airlines Group’s total fleet will reach approximately 90 aircraft. The airline is pursuing a flexible fleet strategy, placing early aircraft orders in anticipation of long-term growth beyond 2030.

In mid-March, Boeing came under pressure amid President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war. AerCap AER CEO Aengus Kelly warned that tariffs could increase the cost of a Boeing 787 by up to $40 million, potentially pushing airlines toward Airbus. With U.S. facilities in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, Airbus may be better positioned to weather the tariff impact, posing a threat to Boeing’s global market share.

Additionally, Goldman Sachs analyst Noah Poponak reiterated a Buy rating on Boeing with a $213 price target following the company’s February delivery update. Boeing delivered 44 aircraft, including 31 737 MAX jets, signaling steady progress. Poponak sees strong order backlogs and expects production ramp-ups in 2025, projecting revenue to reach $105.1 billion by FY27.

Price Action: BA shares are trading higher by 0.43% at $162.27 premarket on the last check Wednesday.

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