Embraer leads Airbus for 20-jet Japan Airlines order

Japan Airlines is leaning toward picking Embraer over Airbus for an order of around 20 regional jets, according to people familiar with the matter reported by Bloomberg News on September 22, 2026.

The Japanese flag carrier has been evaluating Embraer's E2 against Airbus's A220. A final decision could arrive as soon as October, though discussions remain confidential and terms may still change. Embraer and Airbus declined to comment, while Japan Airlines did not respond during local holidays.

Winning the contract would deepen Embraer's relationship with a key Asian customer while denying Airbus a high-profile win. Over the past year, the E2 won orders from ANA Holdings, Finnair, and Scandinavian Airlines, and it remains in a close contest for an order from India's IndiGo. Bloomberg News previously reported in November 2025 that Tokyo-based Japan Airlines was considering up to 40 regional jets and 30 propeller planes.

Embraer's standard E190-E2 seats 97 passengers in a two-class business and economy layout, compared with 120 passengers on the competing A220-100. Both models are powered by Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines from RTX Corp.