JAL - Japan Airlines (JL, Tokyo Haneda) has resumed selling capacity on dedicated-freighter cargo services via a codeshare partnership with Kalitta Air (K4, Detroit Willow Run).
According to a JAL Group statement, the partnership covers 3x weekly B747-400(F)-operated return services between Chicago O'Hare and Tokyo Narita, via Anchorage Ted Stevens. The first flight under the tie-up took place on August 2, 2019, and was operated by N712CK (msn 26414) featuring JAL decals.
JAL ended in-house dedicated-freighter operations in 2010 after it filed for bankruptcy. According to Cargo Facts, the Japanese carrier is not looking at adding freighter aircraft but is interested in expanding cargo capacity to North America through partnerships.
"In recent years, JAL has chartered freighter flights based on seasonal demand, but through this codeshare arrangement with Kalitta Air, the carrier will now offer scheduled freighter services between Asia and North America," JAL said.
Rival ANA - All Nippon Airways (NH, Tokyo Haneda) added its first two B777-F freighters earlier this year and has plans to launch its own services to Chicago.
