Japanese airline shifts focus toward Boeing 787 and 737 Max jets amid strong financial recovery
TOKYO — All Nippon Airways, the flagship carrier of ANA Holdings, will retire its remaining Boeing 777-300 aircraft by March 2027, marking the end of one of the most recognizable fleets in Japan’s domestic aviation market.
The airline confirmed that the final three Boeing 777-300 jets will exit service by March 31, 2027, as part of a broader fleet modernization program centered on newer and more fuel-efficient aircraft. The move follows a wider industry trend among Japanese airlines to replace aging widebody fleets with next-generation models that offer lower operating costs and reduced emissions.
The Boeing 777-300 aircraft have been a key part of ANA’s domestic operations for more than two decades, primarily serving high-density trunk routes across Japan. Configured in a two-class layout with 514 seats, the jets rank among the largest aircraft used in the country’s domestic network.
The aircraft scheduled for retirement were delivered between 1998 and 1999 and have played a major role in handling peak passenger demand during periods of heavy travel. Their phase-out reflects the carrier’s ongoing shift toward a fleet structure built around the Boeing 787 family and the Boeing 737 Max series.
Fleet Renewal Focused on Efficiency and Sustainability
ANA said the retirement plan extends beyond the Boeing 777 fleet. The airline will also remove one Boeing 737-800 aircraft and three De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprops from service as part of the same transition process.
The phased approach is intended to help the airline modernize operations while maintaining network stability and operational reliability.
ANA’s long-term fleet strategy increasingly centers on the Boeing 787 program, including the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 variants. The aircraft are designed to deliver improved fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions and greater route flexibility compared with older-generation widebody jets.
During the current fiscal year, ANA plans to introduce five Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, initially deploying them on domestic routes. The new narrowbody jets are expected to gradually replace older Boeing 737-800 aircraft as they leave the fleet.
In parallel, the airline is scheduled to receive five additional Boeing 787 aircraft, including four Boeing 787-9s and one Boeing 787-10. The deliveries are expected to support both domestic and international operations while strengthening the carrier’s capacity and efficiency goals.
The fleet renewal initiative comes as airlines globally continue investing in aircraft capable of reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs amid volatile energy prices and tightening environmental standards.
ANA Holdings Reports Strong Financial Performance
The fleet overhaul coincides with a strong financial recovery for ANA Holdings as travel demand continues to rebound across domestic and international markets.
ANA Holdings reported a record operating profit of Y217 billion, or approximately $1.38 billion, supported by increased passenger traffic and improved network performance. Operating revenue rose 13% year over year to Y2.5 trillion, reflecting sustained recovery in the aviation sector following pandemic-era disruptions.
The company has also expanded its cargo operations through the acquisition of Nippon Cargo Airlines, strengthening its position in the air freight market as global logistics demand remains resilient.
Beyond its flagship airline, ANA Holdings continues investing across its broader aviation portfolio. Low-cost subsidiary Peach Aviation is scheduled to receive new Airbus A320neo aircraft, while regional carrier ANA Wings plans to add mid-life Dash 8-400 turboprops to support regional connectivity.
The retirement of the Boeing 777-300 fleet represents a significant milestone for ANA, closing a chapter for one of the airline’s most heavily utilized domestic aircraft types while underscoring the company’s focus on efficiency, sustainability and long-term growth.
As ANA continues transitioning toward newer-generation aircraft, the carrier is positioning itself to meet evolving passenger demand and operational requirements in an increasingly competitive global aviation market.
