(joint release - Left: Yuji Koyama, Executive Officer, Senior VP of JAL / Right: Martin Nuesseler, CTO of Maeve)

Paris, FRANCE – 17/06/2025, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL), JAL Engineering Co., Ltd. (JALEC) and Maeve Aerospace GmbH (Maeve), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of the MAEVE Jet, a hybrid-electric regional aircraft designed to transform regional air transportation. This partnership will play a key role in optimising the aircraft’s specification and ensuring that it meets the economic and operational requirements essential for supporting the Japanese regional network.

The MAEVE Jet represents a new and unique approach to regional airliner design, offering significantly improved operational economics over existing aircraft through its mission-optimised design weights and innovative systems architecture. According to Maeve, this would result in a significant improvement in energy efficiency compared to current regional aircraft, enabling a 40% reduction in overall emissions without relying on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 

JAL will contribute its expertise in areas such as aircraft design, operations, and the establishment of a customer support framework for the MAEVE Jet program. Furthermore, JAL will play a key role in developing a new aircraft design system focused on maintaining and enhancing airworthiness and reliability. This partnership aligns with the JAL Group’s continuous commitment to revitalizing local communities while maintaining and expanding its network.

Overview of partnership:
・Share development updates on the MAEVE Jet and discuss requirements for its operation in Japan
・Explore airport infrastructure and operational methods necessary for the MAEVE Jet
・Discuss monitoring, maintenance, and support systems to ensure smooth operation of the MAEVE Jet
・Plan and establish the future MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) framework for the MAEVE Jet
・Support the development of a new aircraft design system by leveraging operational experience

"We are honoured to be working with Japan Airlines on this project with whom we share the vision to develop solutions that have the ability to generate an early impact without relying only on de-carbonised fuels and further investments in new infrastructure." said Martin Nuesseler, Maeve's Chief Technology Officer.

“Japan Airlines is proud to join hands with Maeve to promote the development of sustainable aviation technology. As an island nation, Japan relies heavily on air travel for connect its regions. It is essential to maintain a sustainable regional network to balance public benefit and business viability. The MAEVE Jet offers a solution that significantly reduces environmental impact while enhancing economic efficiency, aligning well with JAL’s vision of a sustainable and efficient regional network." said Yuji Koyama, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President-Corporate Planning of JAL.

"The MAEVE Jet project introduces cutting-edge technologies and transforms operational processes in aviation. JALEC's engineering team will support safety and efficiency in its design. By ensuring compatibility with Japan's unique infrastructure and enhancing maintenance efficiency, we aim to help establish new energy-efficient standards for the industry's future." said Takashi Hamamoto, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President-Engineering & Maintenance of JAL/President of JALEC.

About Japan Airlines Co., Ltd (JAL)
Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan’s first private aviation company, was established in 1951 and is a member of the oneworld® Alliance. The airline operates a fleet of 232 aircraft (as of March 2025) and began renewing its international long-haul aircraft with the Airbus A350-1000 starting 2023 Winter Schedule. Together with other JAL Group and partner airlines, JAL offers an extensive domestic and international network that serves 395 airports across 68 countries/regions. The airline has received numerous accolades for its exceptional service, including being recognized as a certified 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and being awarded the prestigious "World Class" Airline title by APEX, the Airline Passenger Experience Association. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide. 
For details and to learn more, visit JAL's official website at https://www.jal.com/en/

About JAL Engineering Co., Ltd.
Headquartered at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), JAL Engineering Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Japan Airlines and a leading company shaping the future of aviation. Leveraging over 70 years of JAL Group's expertise in aircraft operations, as well as the maintenance, planning, and management of aircraft, engines, and components, the company continues to drive innovation in the aviation industry.

About Maeve Aerospace
Maeve is a European innovator in sustainable and economic aircraft design. Founded in 2021, the company operates from offices in the Netherlands and Germany. Maeve blends the agility of a dynamic entrepreneurial team with the expertise required to lead an industrial aircraft program. In response to growing globalization and rising air travel demand, Maeve is committed to shaping the future of aviation. Its mission is to deliver sustainable and affordable air mobility that connects communities while reducing the environmental impact.