JAL fleet renewal plans change

In a revision of fleet renewal plans the JAL Group has decided to advance the replacement of 747-100SR aircraft used on domestic routes, changing them to B777-300 aircraft.

JAL will also start re-equipping its freighter fleet of 747-200F aircraft and has placed an initial order for two all-cargo 747-400F aircraft with Boeing Commercial Airplanes. 

On domestic routes JAL currently operates three 747-100SR (Short Range) aircraft which it had originally intended to replace with 777-200 aircraft in the FY2004-2007 period. JAL has now decided on the bigger 777-300 as replacements for the 563-seat 747-100SRs, and plans to introduce two of the new aircraft during FY2003. The airline has converted an original order with Boeing for five 777-200s to three 777-300s and two 777-200s.

These new aircraft are more environmentally friendly (quieter engines, lower exhaust emissions) and are more economical to operate due to the latest technology. They not only conform to current ICAO environmental requirements but also to other more stringent standards that take effect from 2006.

JAL now operates an all-cargo fleet of 10 747-200F aircraft and intends to replace them starting with two 747-400F airplanes in FY2004. Like the 777-300, the 747-400F is more fuel-efficient and has longer range and greater payload capability than the 747-200F. JAL will be the first Japanese airline to introduce the state-of the-art 747-400F freighter.