Paris, June 18 - All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, has solidified its commitment to fleet modernization and expansion by confirming a significant order with Boeing for new aircraft, announced during the 2025 Paris Air Show. This order, initially disclosed in February 2025, underscores ANA’s strategic vision to enhance operational efficiency, meet growing passenger demand, and advance its sustainability goals. The agreement includes 23 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 22 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2028 for the 787s and 2029 for the 737 MAX, extending through 2031 and 2032, respectively. This move not only strengthens ANA’s long-standing partnership with Boeing but also positions the airline to maintain its competitive edge in both domestic and international markets.
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The Boeing 787-9, a key component of this order, is a wide-body aircraft renowned for its fuel efficiency and long-range capabilities. ANA, the global launch customer for the 787 Dreamliner in 2011, already operates the world’s largest fleet of these aircraft, with 77 Dreamliners across all three sub-models. The addition of 23 more 787-9s, powered by GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines, will bolster ANA’s international operations, particularly on high-demand routes between Asia and North America. The airline anticipates a 50% increase in available seat kilometers on international routes by fiscal year 2030 compared to 2023, driven partly by the expansion of Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. These aircraft will enable ANA to cater to the surge in inbound tourism to Japan while reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, aligning with the airline’s goal to have 91% of its fleet comprised of fuel-efficient models by 2030.
Complementing the wide-body order, ANA has also secured 22 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, including eight firm orders and four options finalized from a 2019 agreement. The 737 MAX, designed for short- to medium-haul routes, will replace older Boeing 737-800s in ANA’s domestic fleet. Equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced winglets, the 737-8 offers approximately 20% better fuel efficiency and 50% lower noise emissions compared to its predecessors. This makes it an ideal choice for ANA’s domestic operations, where flexibility in supply and demand is critical. The airline’s decision to finalize this order reflects confidence in the 737 MAX’s safety and performance, following global operational challenges that were resolved by 2020.
ANA’s order comes at a time when global supply chain constraints and production delays have made securing delivery slots increasingly competitive. By locking in these aircraft now, ANA ensures its fleet renewal stays on track to meet future demand, particularly as Japan’s tourism sector continues to thrive. The airline projects its total fleet will grow to approximately 320 aircraft by 2030, with the 787 series accounting for around 120 of those. This strategic investment not only enhances ANA’s operational capabilities but also reinforces its commitment to sustainable growth and passenger comfort, cementing its position as a leader in the aviation industry.