ANA Considers Future Turboprop Fleet Renewal

ANA is looking at options for replacing its turboprop planes in the long run, based on changing aviation needs and the plans for its fleet.

All Nippon Airways is reviewing its turboprop policy as a long-range aviation fleet strategy but has not officially decided to replace it. Recently, CEO Inoue Shinichi commented that the airline is considering the aircraft options of its De Havilland Canada DHC-8-Q400 but still asserted that no deadline was established.

An ANA spokesperson informed that the remarks were generalizations relating to typical aviation fleet life cycle management. As the aging Q400s are natural ones with regard to being eventually renewed, the airline noted that it already owns enough equipment, with seven more Dash 8s set to enter the fleet.

ANA Wings, the domestic carrier of the company, is based on 24 flights of Q400s, and the turboprops have a mean of 17 years in service. These planes have been significant contributors to the airline's ANA regional networks.

ANA had already optioned replacement aircraft following the termination of the Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation M90 program in 2023, in which ANA had already made commitments to take up to 25 aircraft. As a reaction, ANA Holdings has decided to purchase seven second-hand Dash 8s and to deliver them in 2025 to preserve stable functioning.

ANA, while in the process of evaluation, clarified that they have not yet made a final decision regarding fleet renewal. The review reflects this change as airlines grapple with ailing turboprops and limited options in the next generation.