Japanese Airlines Anticipate Profitable Year Amid Middle East Tensions and High Fuel Costs
Japan's two largest airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), are projecting a profitable financial year despite ongoing challenges such as high fuel costs and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Both airlines have maintained their earnings guidance for the 2026 financial year, which ends on March 31, 2027, although they expect profits to be lower than in previous years. JAL is targeting a net profit of 110 billion yen, slightly down from 137 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. The airlines are navigating a volatile environment marked by the Iran conflict and the depreciation of the Japanese yen, which has increased foreign exchange-related costs. Despite these challenges, ANA Holdings, the parent company of ANA, has reported record full-year revenue, although this has been offset by increased maintenance costs. 
