JAL announces order for up to 26 Embraer E190-E2 aircraft

Japan Airlines (JAL) announced an order for up to 26 Embraer E190-E2 aircraft.

Scheduled to be delivered starting in FY2029, the order for the 26 E2s will include 16 firm orders and 10 options. The E2s will be replace the fleet of older Embraer E170/E190s operated by JAL subsidiary J-AIR Co., Ltd. (J-Air) across Japan from its primary hub at Osaka’s Itami Airport.

According to JAL Group, the aircraft order is part of its business structure reforms outlined in its growth strategy “JAL Group Management Vision 2035” to maintain and develop a sustainable domestic network as essential social infrastructure for Japan. For J-Air, the E2s will help it be the “most trusted and accessible airline” for local communities under the JAL Group’s long-term strategy.

“Well-matched to future market demand and environmental trends, this fleet decision will enable sustainable domestic business operations while continuing to drive regional revitalization.”

Equipped with two PW1900G engines, the 97-114 seat Embraer E190-E2s can fly distances of up to 5,463 kilometers (2,950 nautical miles). Its smaller size enables the aircraft to operate at smaller airports that may not be able to accommodate Boeing 737s or Airbus A320/A321s.

“We are delighted to welcome the state-of-the-art Embraer E190-E2 to the JAL Group fleet as our new wings, an aircraft that boasts superior environmental performance and economic efficiency.” said Mitsuko Tottori, JAL Group President & Group CEO. “In the future society envisioned under the "JAL Group Management Vision 2035," the domestic network serves as vital social infrastructure supporting local economies and everyday life across Japan. Through the introduction of this aircraft, we will maintain and develop a sustainable air network for the next generation, contributing to the future of Japan. We look forward to offering our customers a new and even more comfortable travel experience in the skies.”

JAL will follow its main rival All Nippon Airways (ANA) to operate the E190-E2s in Japan. ANA has 23 firm orders plus 5 options of the regional jets scheduled to be delivered starting in 2028. Though with its order for 26, JAL will be the largest operator of the aircraft in Japan.

While it did not order E2s, Embraer secured commitments from Japanese regional airline Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA) for 2 84-seat Embraer E175s in July 2026. FDA is currently the largest Embraer aircraft operator in Japan with around 15 E170s and E175s.

Other major customers of the E2s in the Asia-Pacific includes Singapore Airlines’ budget subsidiary Scoot which operates 9 E190-E2s, and Qantas’ subsidiary QantasLink.