JAL Launches First Dedicated Freighter for DHL Express, Expanding Cargo Operations

Japan Airlines (JAL) is set to debut its first dedicated freighter, servicing international routes for DHL Express from Tokyo Narita and Nagoya Chubu, beginning mid-February 2024. This development marks a significant step for JAL, as it re-enters the freighter operations arena after a 13-year hiatus.

Yuichiro Kito, JAL’s Executive Officer for Cargo and Mail, emphasized the importance of this agreement in strengthening the long-standing partnership with DHL. He highlighted the role of the freighter service in addressing social issues and driving substantial business growth for JAL, while catering to the increasing demands of customers.

The airline has outlined the initial network for the freighter, which includes routes connecting Narita and Nagoya to Taipei Taoyuan, Seoul Incheon, and Shanghai Pudong. Additionally, a weekly Narita-Nagoya service will be part of the Shanghai operations. While DHL will utilize the freighter’s capacity on these routes, further plans for the aircraft’s deployment remain undisclosed.

Japan Airlines’s owned Boeing 767-300ERs are currently under conversion at Singapore Paya Lebar airport. JAL maintains a fleet of twenty-five passenger-configured B767-300ERs.

JAL retired its last 747-400BCFs cargo jet in 2010 and has since been without dedicated freighters, in contrast to its local competitor ANA – All Nippon Airways, which operates a fleet of 11 freighters.

DHL, meanwhile, has not maintained any in-house airlines in North-East Asia since selling its stake in Air Hong Kong to Cathay Pacific in 2019. Air Hong Kong continues to operate flights for DHL.

This collaboration between JAL and DHL signifies a strategic expansion in JAL’s cargo capabilities and marks a renewed presence in the dedicated freighter market, responding to the evolving dynamics of global air cargo demand.