Japan Airlines may order about 20 Embraer regional jets — The Japan Times

In Japan, Japan Airlines (JAL) is leaning toward ordering about 20 regional aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer instead of Airbus. The carrier is considering Embraer’s E2 family aircraft and Airbus’s A220, and a final decision could be made as early as October.

Choice between E2 and A220

The Japan Times reports on the potential order, citing people familiar with the matter. According to them, the decision has not yet been approved and circumstances may change. JAL did not respond to a request for comment during the holiday period, while Embraer and Airbus declined to comment.

If JAL chooses the E2, it would enable Embraer to deepen cooperation with one of its largest customers in Asia. At the same time, the Airbus A220 program would lose a potential major customer.

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Carrier’s previous plans

In November 2025, it was reported that Tokyo-based JAL was considering the purchase of up to 40 regional aircraft and 30 turboprop aircraft. Over the past year, ANA Holdings, Finnair and SAS Scandinavian Airlines have also placed orders for the E2. Embraer is also competing for a major order from India’s IndiGo.

The standard Embraer E190-E2 in a two-class configuration can carry 97 passengers, while the comparable Airbus A220-100 can carry up to 120. Both models are equipped with Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines, which is part of RTX.