Nippon Express Holdings (NX Group) and Japan Airlines (JAL) will launch a transport partnership covering intra-Asia and North America-Asia routes, using a Boeing 747 freighter secured by JAL. The service will operate a round-trip circuit originating in Los Angeles and routing via Narita, Taipei (Taoyuan), Singapore and Narita before returning to Los Angeles, with the first flight departing Los Angeles on 3 October 2026. The service will begin with one flight a week in 2026, with both companies pursuing further network expansion.

SECURING SCARCE LARGE-FREIGHTER CAPACITY WITHIN ASIA

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. Operating the Narita-Taipei-Singapore-Narita route with a 747F offering a maximum payload of approximately 100 tonnes is intended to create a dedicated network within the region.

STRENGTHENING THE TRANSPORT NETWORK LINKING NORTH AMERICA AND ASIA

Because cargo can be loaded and unloaded at each port of call on the circuit, the companies say the service allows for diverse transport routes and efficient operations, flexibly meeting cargo demand between North America, including Latin America beyond, and Asia.

MEETING DEMAND FOR HIGH-VALUE CARGO

The service is designed to accommodate oversized and heavy cargo such as server racks and data-centre equipment, alongside other high-value cargo, demand for which is increasing alongside the spread of generative AI and expanding investment in digital infrastructure. “Building on our many years of cooperation with JAL, we will further expand our international air cargo network utilizing large freighter aircraft, contributing to the stability of our customers’ supply chains and to their business growth,” said Satoshi Otsuji, Senior Managing Executive Officer, President of Global Business Headquarters at NX Group. “This partnership with NX will bring large freighter service to the U.S. West Coast for the first time. We will expand our air cargo network in rapidly growing markets and deliver JALCARGO’s high-quality cargo handling services to even more customers,” said Yuichiro Kito, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Cargo and Mail at JAL.