– Building Transport Network with Large Freighter Aircraft to Meet Growing Demand for AI- and Semiconductor-related Cargo Transportation –
TOKYO, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. (“NX Group”) and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (“JAL”) have launched a transport partnership covering intra-Asia and North America-Asia routes, utilizing a Boeing 747 freighter (“747F”) secured by JAL through cooperation with its partners. The service operates on a round-trip circuit originating in Los Angeles and routing via Narita, Taipei (Taoyuan), Singapore and Narita before returning to Los Angeles, responding to robust demand between North America and Asia as well as within Asia. The first flight departed Los Angeles on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The service is available with one flight per week in 2026, and both companies will continue to pursue further network expansion going forward.
Logo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dqm0cxpYamnvMUra1AGXMuGlX932Z353/view?usp=drive_link
Image1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R89Wm4ltRkyCoIhdG9mICMS76uZKaiem/view?usp=drive_link
Service Features
-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, leaving shippers with limited options. By operating the Narita-Taipei-Singapore-Narita route with a 747F offering a maximum payload of approximately 100 tons, this service provides a distinctive, high-value-added offering that creates a vital network within Asia.
-Strengthening transport network linking North America and Asia
Because cargo can be loaded and unloaded at each port of call on the circuit route, the service enables the design of diverse transport routes and efficient transport operations, flexibly meeting cargo transport needs between North America (including Latin America beyond) and Asia.
-Meeting demand for rapidly growing high-value-added cargo
Leveraging the unique capabilities of large freighter aircraft, the service accommodates transport demand for oversized and heavy cargo such as server racks and data center-related equipment, as well as high-value-added cargo, which is increasing alongside the spread of generative AI and expanding investment in digital infrastructure.
Through this partnership, the two companies will secure stable and flexible air transport capacity, deliver optimal transport services that meet diverse needs and pursue sustainable growth as part of the logistics infrastructure.
Image2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tmYm1GzYQ6IGhiXI7VHqjRoOMFXNR41q/view?usp=drive_link
Comments from Representatives
NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC.
Satoshi Otsuji, Senior Managing Executive Officer, President of Global Business Headquarters
“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 utilizing large freighter aircraft, contributing to the stability of our customers’ supply chains and to their business growth.”
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
Yuichiro Kito, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President – Cargo and Mail
“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 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.”
About the NX Group:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mbvBL6C8THZNrR5LREgGeafNkEdaAmV-/view?usp=drive_link
NX Group official website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/
NX Group’s official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/
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SOURCE NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
