Airbus in Japan

Building on our success together in Japan

Japan National Stadium - Pléiades Neo

Our presence in Japan

The relationship between Airbus and Japan dates back over 60 years, beginning when one of the founding partner companies delivered an Alouette ll helicopter to Mitsuya Air Service. Since then we have provided Japan with more than 600 commercial fixed wing and rotary aircraft.

Our focus in Japan extends to cover industrial partnerships, strong government relations and maintaining sound ties with the financial community. More than 100 major Japanese companies are working with Airbus on various programmes.

Airbus in Japan

Our impact

Airbus is sourcing $1.8 billion worth of parts, components and materials per year from more than 100 Japanese companies on various programmes.

Airbus has identified Japan as a key location for nurturing collaborative Research and Technology projects, with our teams actively working on a variety of programmes.

Our well-established business in the Japanese helicopter market is thriving with over 50% market share in the civil and parapublic sectors.

We count over 400 Airbus employees across all business units.

Our products & services

Airbus has significantly strengthened its position in the commercial aircraft market in Japan with A380, A350 and A320 Family being operated by Japanese airlines.

Airbus operates a state-of-the-art helicopter support facility, providing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services, customisation, technical support and training.

Furthermore, we are contributing to the access of Japan's space sector.

Japan Airlines finalises order for A350-900s and A321neo

Commercial Aircraft in Japan

Our products & services

Airbus serves major Japanese airlines such as All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL), and Starflyer, as well as low-cost carriers like Jetstar Japan and Peach Aviation. Approximately 130 Airbus aircraft, including the A320 Family, A350, and A380, are in use across Japan. Airbus holds over 90% market share in the low-cost sector.

Additionally, the Japanese financial market is a key partner, offering innovative and competitive financing solutions for airlines.

Japan Coast Guard H225

Helicopters in Japan

Our products & services

Airbus Helicopters leads the Japanese market with over 50% market share in the civil and parapublic sectors, boasting over 360 helicopters with 100 customers.

With over 60 years of partnership in Japan, Airbus Helicopters Japan is the only foreign manufacturer with maintenance facilities in the country. Its Kobe facility serves as the Asia-Pacific regional hub for engineering, blade repair, and H135 training, featuring a full flight simulator.

Artist View Superbird 9 OneSat Jsat

Defence and Space in Japan

Our products & services

Airbus Defence and Space has been active in  Japan for more than 30 years in the field of data and intelligence gathering by both optical and radar (SAR) satellites for various purposes.

Airbus is also contributing to Japan’s successful space sector by supplying state-of-the-art sub systems and equipment/components for a wide variety of Japanese space missions. At the same time, Airbus continues to develop similar cooperation with several newly established Japanese space startups.

Innovation in Japan

Innovation is a key driver at Airbus and an essential element of an eco-friendly aerospace industry and a sustainable world.

Airbus has established a Tech Hub in Japan. The new initiative is designed to develop partnerships in the country to advance research, technology and innovation in aerospace, and push boundaries to prepare for the next generation of aircraft. The new Airbus Tech Hub focuses on three key research areas: the development of new materials, decarbonisation technologies, robotics and automation.

Airbus Tech Hub in Japan Press Conference

As the first achievement of the Tech Hub in Japan, Airbus has partnered with Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation to cooperate and mutualise experience on superconducting technologies for future hydrogen-powered aircraft. We also have invested in Japanese startups that bring aerospace industry innovations through Airbus Ventures, which has an office in Japan.
 

Industrial partnerships

More than 100 major Japanese companies are working with Airbus on various programmes.  Partners include some of Japan’s most reputable industrial names, including JAMCO, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, ShinMaywa, Teijin and Toray.

One of the largest collaborative projects with Japan has been the joint development and production, with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, of the H145 / BK117 twin engine light utility helicopter.

In 2022, Airbus launched an MoU under the “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” programme to jumpstart research into infrastructure requirements and low-carbon airport operations, across the entire value chain in Japan. Airbus is working in partnership with  Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kansai Airports and ANA Holdings to support the decarbonisation of the aviation industry.

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Research and Technology (R&T) is another area where there has been cooperation between Japan and Airbus. Airbus has worked with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and other institutions and universities. This strong ties between Japan and European organisations have been key for all mutual parties to diversify and strengthen their own industrial cooperation.

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