Japan Airlines Orders Airbus

Japan Airlines has signed an agreement for 31 A350 XWB aircraft from the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus in a deal that's worth approximately $9 billion, according to a press release.

The deal is the first one Japan Airlines has made with Airbus. It also has options for an additional 25 aircraft. The new aircraft are scheduled to go into rotation in 2019 with the airline's A350 XWBs gradually replacing its current fleet during a period of approximately six years.

"We will utilize the A350 XWB to maximum, which offers high level operational efficiency and product competitiveness, while positively catering to new business opportunities after slots at airports in Tokyo are increased," Yoshiharu Ueki, the president of Japan Airlines, said in a statement. "In addition to improving profitability with advanced aircraft, we always aim to deliver unparalleled services to customers with the latest cabin and steady expansion of our route network."

The A350-900 seats over 300 passengers on routes that reach up to 8,100 nautical miles. The aircraft are equipped with the new Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

"Japan Airlines is well known as one of the most preferred airlines in the world providing its passengers with an excellent flight experience," Fabrice Bregier, the president of Airbus, said in a statement. "We sincerely welcome Japan Airlines as a new Airbus customer and feel honored by this first ever order from Japan for our all-new A350 XWB."

Over 70 percent of the aircrafts weight-efficient airframe is constructed from advanced materials that combine composites, titanium and advanced aluminum alloys. The aircraft also brings together the latest in aerodynamic technologies as well as providing significant improvement in fuel efficiency compared to other competing designs.

"It fills us with pride to see a leading Japanese airline start a new chapter with us," Bregier said. "This highlights a very bright and flourishing future for both of us, JAL and Airbus."