Japan Airlines and Nippon Express launch Asia-North America routes

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Nippon Express have launched a transport partnership covering intra-Asia and North America-Asia routes to meet growing demand for movement of AI and semiconductor-related goods. The service operates on a round-trip circuit originating in Los Angeles and routing via Tokyo’s Narita, Taiwan’s Taipei (Taoyuan), Singapore and Narita before returning to Los Angeles. This service utilises a Boeing 747 freighter, with a maximum payload of approximately 100 tons, secured by JAL through cooperation with its partners. The first flight of the service departed Los Angeles on 3 October. There will be one flight per week for the remainder of the year. Japan Airlines and Nippon Express noted that demand for AI- and semiconductor-related cargo is currently very strong, particularly between Tokyo, Taipei and Singapore, yet few airlines operate large freighters within Asia, leaving shippers with limited options. Leveraging the unique capabilities of the 747F, the service accommodates transport demand for oversized and heavy cargo such as server racks and data centre-related equipment, as well as high-value-added cargo, which is increasing alongside the spread of generative AI and expanding investment in digital infrastructure, the companies added. The cargo transported on the route can also be loaded and unloaded at each port of call on the circuit route for demand flexibility. Both companies plan to continue to pursue further network expansion going forward. Yuichiro Kito, executive officer, senior vice president – cargo and mail at Japan Airlines, said: “This new partnership further strengthens the long-standing relationship between JAL and the NX Group. “In addition to our passenger flights and our own freighter network, this partnership with NX will bring large freighter service to the US west coast for the first time. “We will expand our air cargo network in rapidly growing markets and deliver JAL Cargo’s high-quality cargo handling services to even more customers.” Satoshi Otsuji, senior managing executive officer, president of global business headquarters at Nippon Express Holdings, said: “Through this partnership, the NX Group will strengthen its ability to provide more stable and flexible transport solutions in response to increasingly sophisticated and diverse air transport needs. “Building on our many years of cooperation with JAL, we will further expand our international air cargo network utilising large freighter aircraft, contributing to the stability of our customers’ supply chains and to their business growth.”