Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) have agreed to commence joint exploration of potential collaboration in the aircraft aftermarket business. The two companies have signed a memorandum on the matter.

The aircraft aftermarket business includes services such as repairs maintenance, parts supply, and refurbishment, which are essential for the maint en an ce and enhancement of aircraft’s flight safety and operational efficiency.

With the global recovery in aircraft demand, the need for maintenance services has also increased. JAL and MHI have begun exploring collaboration in this area to respond to the various issues currently affecting the aircraft aftermarket. 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 particularly in North America.

Within JAL Group, going forward the joint exploration of collaboration will be performed by JAL Engineering Co., Ltd. ( JALEC), which is in charge of aircraft maintenance. Meanwhile, JAL and MHI will continue their current exploration underway toward expanding cooperation in human resources development and technology development relating to the aircraft industry.