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Article - Industry

Japan Airlines partners with MAEVE to help develop new, hyrbid-electric regional aircraft

by Jeffrey Teruel - Founder/Editor-Flights in Asia
Published on June 18, 2025

Summary

Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced it will be collaborating with Maeve Aerospace GmbH (MAEVE) for the development of a new, hybrid-electric regional aircraft.



Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced it will be collaborating with Maeve Aerospace GmbH (MAEVE) for the development of a new, hybrid-electric regional aircraft.


Announced during the Paris Airshow 2025, JAL signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the partnership along with JAL Engineering (JALEC) and MAEVE where it will help optimize the aircraft specifications of MAEVE's MAEVE Jet, and ensure it meets both the economic and operational requirements in Japan's regional network.


According to MAEVE, the MAEVE Jet represents a new and unique approach to regional airliner design offering significantly improved operational economics over existing aircraft through its mission-optimized design weights and innovative systems architecture. The MAEVE Jet will enable a 40% reduction in overall emissions compared to current regional aircraft without relying on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).


Among the key points of collaboration include providing its operational experience to help in the development and requirements for operations of the MAEVE Jet within Japan, and the exploration of airport infrastructure and operational methods necessary for the MAEVE Jet. JAL also will help plan and establish the future MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) framework for the MAEVE Jet.


"We are honoured to be working with Japan Airlines on this project with whom we share the vision to develop solutions that have the ability to generate an early impact without relying only on de-carbonised fuels and further investments in new infrastructure." said Martin Nuesseler, Maeve's Chief Technology Officer.

“Japan Airlines is proud to join hands with Maeve to promote the development of sustainable aviation technology. As an island nation, Japan relies heavily on air travel for connect its regions. It is essential to maintain a sustainable regional network to balance public benefit and business viability. The MAEVE Jet offers a solution that significantly reduces environmental impact while enhancing economic efficiency, aligning well with JAL’s vision of a sustainable and efficient regional network." said Yuji Koyama, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President-Corporate Planning of JAL.

"The MAEVE Jet project introduces cutting-edge technologies and transforms operational processes in aviation. JALEC's engineering team will support safety and efficiency in its design. By ensuring compatibility with Japan's unique infrastructure and enhancing maintenance efficiency, we aim to help establish new energy-efficient standards for the industry's future." said Takashi Hamamoto, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President-Engineering & Maintenance of JAL/President of JALEC.


Based in the Netherlands and Germany, MAEVE was founded in 2021 with the aim to develop the hybrid-electric regional aircraft. 

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