JAPAN AIRLINES (JAL) is to split its order for new aircraft to re-equip its regional subsidiary J-AIR, by signing deals with both Embraer and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. The Japanese national carrier announced on August 28 that it had signed a firm agreement with the Brazilian manufacturer for 15 E170s and E190s in a deal valued at $677 million at current list prices. The exact breakdown between the two variants was not revealed, but it also placed options for a further 12 E-Jets. Deliveries are due to start next year and will be used to replace the carrier’s Bombardier CRJ200s, which are being retired, as well as to expand its regional route network.
Simultaneously, JAL revealed it had signed a letter of intent for 32 Mitsubishi Regional Jets, with both the 78-seat MRJ70 and 92-seat MRJ90 variants included, although no specific breakdown was provided. The MRJs are scheduled for delivery from 2021, and JAL intends to use the new type as a replacement for all J-AIR’s current regional jets, including the E170, on the carrier’s domestic routes. The airline has stated it will not only be purchasing the MRJ, but intends to help with the aircraft’s development by providing information from an operator perspective.
(Photo Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation)