Japan Airlines picks the Embraer E190-E2 to renew J-AIR's regional jet fleet from 2029

Japan Airlines has selected the Embraer E190-E2 to renew the regional jet fleet of its subsidiary J-AIR, the JAL Group announced on 14 October 2026. The order covers 26 aircraft, 16 firm and 10 options, with deliveries scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2029.

The E190-E2 will succeed the Embraer E170 and E190 jets currently flown by J-AIR, which is based at Osaka International Airport (Itami). J-AIR operates regional services across Japan, from Memanbetsu in Hokkaido in the north to the Amami Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture in the south.

According to JAL, the new type has a standard capacity of 97 to 114 seats, a range of 5,463 kilometres and Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engines. For passengers on Japanese domestic regional routes, the change means a newer generation of aircraft on J-AIR's network once deliveries start, although the release does not detail the cabin layout JAL will choose.

Mitsuko Tottori, JAL's President and Group CEO, said the group was delighted to welcome the E190-E2 as its new wings.

JAL has not said how many E170 and E190 aircraft will be retired or on what timetable, nor which routes will receive the E190-E2 first. Those details, and the final seat configuration, are still to be announced.