In brief
Japan Airlines said its net profit from April to September fell 42.2 percent to 39.07 billion yen, driven by soaring fuel costs and a weaker yen. Revenue rose 11.7 percent to 1.10 trillion yen while passenger numbers declined. For the full year, the carrier maintains a 20.1 percent lower profit forecast, reflecting ongoing pressures.
TOKYO, Nov. 2 – Japan Airlines (JAL) announced a sharp 42.2 percent decline in net profit for the April‑September period, dropping to 39.07 billion yen ($247 million) as soaring fuel prices and a weaker yen pushed up operating costs.
While the airline’s revenue climbed 11.7 percent to 1.10 trillion yen, the increase was insufficient to offset higher expenses. Fuel costs rose 16.5 percent year‑on‑year to 1.038 trillion yen, according to the company’s results.
International passenger revenue grew 16.0 percent to 426.6 billion yen, yet the number of international travellers fell 3.1 percent to 3.86 million. Domestic passenger revenue also rose, by 5.8 percent to 319.7 billion yen, but domestic passenger numbers slipped 2.2 percent to 18.70 million.
Despite the mixed performance, the airline’s full‑year net‑profit forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2027 was held at 110 billion yen, a 20.1 percent drop from the previous year’s estimate. Revenue for the same period was projected at 2.1 trillion yen, up 4.1 percent year‑on‑year.
JAL pointed to rising operating expenses and slower growth in domestic passenger traffic as key factors behind the downturn. The company also highlighted ongoing currency depreciation as a driver of higher fuel costs.
Analysts note that the company’s revenue gain was largely driven by international routes, while domestic traffic continued to lag. The combined effect of higher fuel prices and a weaker yen has placed extra financial strain on the airline’s operations.
Overall, the results underscore the challenges facing Japan Airlines as global fuel prices rebound and the Japanese yen weakens against the dollar.
