JAL Orders Another Embraer 170, for Domestic Operation by J-Air

After taking delivery of 10 Embraer 170 regional jets, Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed an amendment to the original June 2007 purchase contract in order to add another new Embraer 170.

The manufacturer values the deal for the additional Embraer 170 at US$38 million at list price. Delivery to Japan Airlines is planned for the fourth quarter of 2012.

As with the previous aircraft, this Embraer 170, powered by GE CF34-8E engines, will be configured for 76 passengers in a single-class cabin layout. The aircraft will be operated by J-Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of JAL which serves the company’s regional network in Japan.

On April 4, 2012, Japan Airlines ordered an 11th Embraer 170 for operation by domestic subsidiary J-Air on regional routes within Japan

“JAL’s latest order is an important recognition of the E-Jets excellent performance in terms of schedule reliability, comfort and economics,” says Paulo Cesar Silva, Embraer’s president, Commercial Aviation. “We continue to build a solid relationship with JAL, which has been deploying our E-Jets to right-size some of its narrowbody markets and developing new routes across Japan.”

“With this additional Embraer 170 order, Japan Airlines continues the process of optimizing its domestic route network, begun in February 2009, when the first E-Jet started commercial service at J-Air,” says Tsuyoshi Yamamura, president of J-Air and a JAL executive officer.

“The E170 is extremely popular for a variety of reasons,” adds Yamamura. “First, with our business customers because it allows us to add flights as demand in key markets grows; second, our shareholders because of the fleet’s economic contribution to our turn-around plan; and third, our Operations Department because it is among the most reliable airplanes we operate today,”

J-Air used its current fleet of 10 Embraer 170s to replace old and inefficient aircraft on routes such as between Tokyo Haneda and Nanki-Shirahama Airport and between Osaka Itami Airport and Aomori. The airline also re-launched some routes, including Osaka Itami-Miyazaki, previously flown with old and bigger jets, adjusting capacity to demand.

Through its six subsidiaries, JAL flies the company’s current 10 Embraer 170 jets on regional routes throughout the island nation, operating out of four hub airports. Recent restructuring, due to skyrocketing fuel costs, is strengthening and focusing the group in Japan and throughout Asia.

The Embraer E-Jets family has accumulated firm orders for more than 1,050 aircraft from 60 airlines in 42 countries. More than 800 E-Jets have been delivered and have, collectively, accumulated seven million flight hours and transported more than 320 million passengers worldwide.