Japan Airlines Co. will purchase 21 of Boeing Co.’s 737 Max planes, finalizing a much-awaited deal as the country’s inbound tourism recovers from a pandemic slump after entry rules were loosened late last year.
(Bloomberg) — Japan Airlines Co. will purchase 21 of Boeing Co.’s 737 Max planes, finalizing a much-awaited deal as the country’s inbound tourism recovers from a pandemic slump after entry rules were loosened late last year.
The single-aisle jets will be delivered and flying from 2026, the The Japanese carrier said in a statement Thursday.
Bloomberg News reported last year that JAL was looking for newer models with better fuel efficiency to replace its older 737 short-haul fleet. Airbus SE’s A320neo was initially considered a frontrunner but reports earlier this month suggested JAL was leaning instead toward a deal with Boeing.
Read more: Boeing Is Said to Be Nearing 737 Max Deal With Japan Airlines
Japan’s pandemic restrictions on inbound tourism were tougher than most in Asia, but travel began to rebound after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida loosened border controls late last year.
The International Civil Aviation Organization projected that global air passenger demand will return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of March, and go on to exceed 2019 figures by 3% by the end of the year.
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