Japan’s largest airline, ANA Holdings, has made a bold move to bolster its fleet and position itself for future growth by placing a massive order for 77 new aircraft from three of the world’s leading manufacturers: Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer. Announced on February 25, 2025, this landmark deal is the company’s largest ever in terms of aircraft numbers. It carries a catalog value exceeding 2.1 trillion yen, or roughly $14 billion, before customary discounts that could halve the final cost. The order comprises 68 firm commitments and 9 options, reflecting ANA’s strategic vision to capitalize on surging travel demand, both domestically and internationally while modernizing its fleet with fuel-efficient, cutting-edge planes. This ambitious acquisition underscores ANA’s confidence in the recovery and expansion of the aviation market, particularly in light of Japan’s booming tourism sector and growing passenger traffic on key international routes.
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The breakdown of the order reveals a carefully balanced approach to meeting diverse operational needs. From Boeing, ANA has secured 18 widebody 787-9 Dreamliners, powered by GE engines, which will strengthen its international network, particularly on high-demand Asia-North America routes. These aircraft align with the anticipated re-expansion of Tokyo’s Narita International Airport and are expected to boost ANA’s international seat capacity by 1.5 times by fiscal year 2030 compared to 2023 levels. Additionally, ANA has ordered 12 Boeing 737-8 jets—8 firms and 4 optional—to modernize its narrowbody fleet, alongside finalizing options for 5 more 787-9s and 10 737-8s from prior agreements in 2020 and 2019, respectively. This deepens ANA’s longstanding relationship with Boeing, a partnership cemented when it became the launch customer for the 787 program over a decade ago.
On the Airbus front, ANA is acquiring 27 A321neo-family aircraft, including 14 A321neos for its mainline operations and 10 A321neos plus 3 A321XLRs for its low-cost subsidiary, Peach Aviation. The A321XLR, with its extended range, marks a first for Japan and will enable Peach to explore longer-haul routes, enhancing its competitive edge in the budget travel market. Meanwhile, the A321neos will refresh ANA’s short- and medium-haul capabilities with improved fuel efficiency and operational flexibility. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this order is ANA’s decision to procure 20 Embraer E190-E2 regional jets—15 firm and 5 optional—marking the model’s debut in Japan. These 100-seat aircraft, slated for delivery starting in fiscal year 2028, feature advanced engines that reduce fuel consumption and noise emissions, making them ideal for optimizing domestic routes and adapting to fluctuating demand.
ANA Holdings President and CEO Koji Shibata emphasized that this order will drive profitability on domestic flights while fueling international expansion, a key growth area for the airline group. By 2030, ANA aims to operate a fleet of approximately 320 aircraft, with fuel-efficient models comprising 91% of the total and Boeing 787s accounting for nearly 120 planes. This fleet renewal, paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects a forward-looking strategy to prioritize sustainability, safety, and customer service while meeting shareholder expectations. The simultaneous deal with Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer not only diversifies ANA’s procurement but also signals a pragmatic response to a highly competitive global aviation landscape where demand for new aircraft is soaring. Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2033, setting the stage for ANA to reinforce its position as an industry leader in the years ahead.