Japan Airlines has ordered up to 26 Embraer E190-E2 regional jets for subsidiary J-AIR, comprising 16 firm aircraft and 10 options. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in fiscal 2029, with the new-generation jets set to replace J-AIR’s existing E170 and E190 fleet on domestic services from Osaka International Airport, or Itami.
J-AIR operates regional routes linking cities across Japan and currently has 32 Embraer aircraft: 18 E170s and 14 E190s. JAL has not disclosed how the replacement will be phased, when deliveries will be completed, or which routes will receive the E190-E2.
The fleet renewal forms part of broader changes to JAL’s domestic operations and a longer-term strategy focused on sustaining domestic air services and supporting regional revitalisation. The firm order covers half of J-AIR’s current Embraer fleet, while the options could bring the total replacement programme to 26 aircraft.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engines, the E190-E2 typically seats between 97 and 114 passengers, depending on configuration, and has a published range of 5,463 km. JAL has not yet disclosed the aircraft’s final cabin layout for J-AIR.