Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) have launched a new joint venture, Aero Breath Co., Ltd., aimed at expanding their presence in the aircraft aftermarket business. The company, officially established on June 1, 2026, will focus on aircraft maintenance, combining the operational expertise of JAL Engineering Co., Ltd. (JALEC) with MHI's technical capabilities.
Aero Breath's creation comes in response to the increasing demand for aircraft maintenance as air passenger traffic rebounds. The company will be headquartered at Aichi Prefectural Nagoya Airport and plans to begin maintenance services for regional aircraft within fiscal 2026, pending necessary permits and approvals.
JALEC holds a 51% stake in the new company, while MHI owns 49%. The partnership aims to enhance maintenance efficiency and aircraft quality, reducing ground time and boosting operational efficiency. Taro Matoba has been appointed as the President and CEO of Aero Breath.
The collaboration between JALEC and MHI is expected to contribute to the development of Japan's aircraft aftermarket sector while supporting the sustainable growth of the aviation industry. Both companies emphasize their commitment to maintaining safe and reliable flight operations.