March 19 (Reuters) - Japan Airlines ( JPNRF ) is nearing

a decision on a potential order of about two dozen wide-body

jets with Boeing ( BA ) tipped to win at least part of the

multi-billion-dollar deal with its 787 Dreamliner, industry

sources said on Tuesday.

The carrier is the latest Asian operator to wade into a

tightening market for long-haul aircraft after a prolonged

downturn in demand for the industry's big jets.

JAL, which is expected to review its medium-term plans on

Thursday, declined to comment.

Boeing ( BA ) and Airbus also declined to comment.

Korean Air plans to buy around 20 A350 jets from

Airbus, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, as it gears

up for a pending merger with Asiana Airlines.

Wide-body jets are in demand as international travel nears a

full recovery from the pandemic and has spilled over into

competition for engine and maintenance contracts.

In February, Thai Airways officially unveiled an order for

45 Boeing 787s powered by GE engines after Airbus lost a fierce

contest to supply its Rolls Royce-powered A350s.