Japan Airlines will introduce Embraer E190-E2 regional jets at subsidiary J-AIR, ordering 16 aircraft with options for a further 10. The Osaka Itami-based carrier is scheduled to receive the first aircraft from fiscal 2029, as the new-generation jets replace its existing E170 and E190 fleet on domestic regional routes across Japan.
J-AIR currently operates 32 Embraer aircraft, comprising 18 E170s and 14 E190s. Japan Airlines has not disclosed how the replacement will be divided between the two aircraft types, when the transition will be completed or which routes will receive the E190-E2s.
The order follows an evaluation of options for renewing J-AIR’s regional fleet. Japan Airlines intends the aircraft to support the subsidiary’s response to changing demand and operating conditions while maintaining connections between Japanese cities from Itami Airport.
JAL has positioned the fleet renewal within its longer-term approach to sustainable domestic operations and regional revitalisation. The E190-E2 will succeed both current E-Jet variants, allowing J-AIR to consolidate its regional aircraft fleet around a newer model as deliveries begin from 1 April 2029.