Japan Airlines (JAL) and Safran have entered a landmark, nine-year “Support By the Hour” (SBH) agreement for the comprehensive maintenance of JAL’s Airbus A350 fleet, covering up to 35 A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft. Commencing January 1, 2026, this first-of-its-kind contract unifies four Safran companies under a single, turnkey solution, setting a new benchmark for long-term OEM support in the aviation industry.
The pioneering pact brings together the expertise of Safran Landing Systems, Safran Electronics & Defense, Safran Electrical & Power, and Safran Ventilation Systems. This consolidated approach will deliver a full spectrum of customized services, including maintenance, repair, component pooling, and advanced logistics management. A dedicated local team based in Tokyo will oversee on-site logistics, ensuring seamless transportation and handling of components directly at the customer’s facilities.
Central to the agreement is a proactive, data-driven strategy. By leveraging real-time fleet data, advanced analytics, and digital integration, Safran’s offering is designed to predict maintenance needs, optimize component availability, and prevent unscheduled operational events. This focus on anticipation and prevention aims to maximize aircraft reliability and on-time performance, ensuring JAL’s A350 fleet operates at peak efficiency.
Kyohei Takizawa, Japan Airlines Vice President of Aircraft and Engineering Procurement, emphasized the agreement’s strategic importance: “The A350 is one of our main aircraft, and ensuring its on-time performance remains a major challenge. Through this agreement, we will strengthen the partnership between JAL and Safran, support the A350’s punctual operation and aircraft quality, and provide better services to our passengers.”
Darren Waite, Executive Vice President of Customer Support & Services at Safran Landing Systems, stated, “We are honored that Japan Airlines has chosen Safran for this pioneering collaboration. By combining our expertise, we are raising the standard for tailored, long-term OEM support. Our shared goal is to ensure that Japan Airlines maintains the highest levels of reliability and service quality for its passengers across Asia and beyond.”
This collaboration represents more than a maintenance contract; it is a strategic alliance shaping the future of airline support in the Asia-Pacific region. By combining JAL’s operational excellence with Safran’s integrated technological prowess, the partnership is poised to set new, industry-leading standards in operational efficiency, fleet reliability, and ultimate passenger service excellence.
