Japan Airlines Taps Atlas Air, Kalitta, Cargolux for 747 Freighters to Meet AI-Driven Cargo Demand

Japan Airlines has expanded scheduled transcontinental all-cargo flights using Boeing 747 freighters operated by three large cargo airlines, aiming to capture surging demand for semiconductor and digital equipment shipments tied to AI infrastructure buildout. The Tokyo-based carrier, which resumed freighter operations in February 2024 after a 13-year hiatus, currently operates three converted Boeing 767-300 freighters primarily on intra-Asia routes. Under a 2035 strategy outlined in March, JAL said it planned to add large freighters to serve high-value cargo between Asia, North America and Europe. Under long-term charter agreements, Kalitta Air operates Boeing 747-400s six times weekly between Tokyo Narita and Chicago, replacing Western Global Airlines. Cargolux flies two 747-400s twice weekly between Narita and Luxembourg, while Atlas Air operates twice weekly between Narita and Los Angeles International Airport and subcontracts some flights to partner carriers. JAL also procured Atlas Air flights to establish a dedicated network for Nippon Express Group, operating a circular route from Los Angeles through Narita, Taipei and Singapore. The service began with one weekly flight and could expand.