JAL and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) signed a memorandum expressing intent to jointly look for opportunities to collaborate in the aircraft maintenance and aftermarket business, the two companies announced on August 27, 2024.
Given the nature of this collaboration, JAL’s maintenance subsidiary, JAL Engineering, will be in charge of the project on the airline’s side.
According to the companies’ statement, the need for such services, including repairs, maintenance, parts supply, and refurbishment, has increased along with the global recovery in aircraft demand after the pandemic.
“JAL Group, as an aircraft operator, brings expertise and experience in aircraft operation and maintenance, while MHI Group, as an aircraft manufacture, contributes with its expertise and experience in aircraft design development, manufacture, certification, and MRO (maintenance, repair & overhaul) services,” said the statement.
MHI is a key supplier for the Boeing 787 program, manufacturing the type’s wing boxes, and has also collaborated with Boeing on some of its other airlines. The company has also worked on a number of aircraft engines including the IAE V2500 and a number of different Pratt & Whitney models.
