Frequency boost responds to rising Asia-North America cargo demand, targeting high-tech goods, chemicals and express shipments on the route
Japan Airlines (JAL) has struck an agreement with Kalitta Air to increase the number of weekly codeshare cargo flights operated by Kalitta Air between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
In March, JAL and Kalitta Air signed a codeshare agreement for regular cargo flights from NRT to ORD starting from 10 May. JAL said that incorporating large cargo aircraft into its network through the codeshare agreement had enabled it to respond to growing cargo demand between Asia and North America.
As a result of JAL's latest agreement with Kalitta Air, flights will increase from three to five flights per week on 10 December, to meet demand between Asia and North America.
JAL aims to meet demand for high-value cargo such as high-tech, chemicals, and express.
"By increasing the frequency of large cargo flights from three to five times a week, JAL will further strengthen its transportation capacity and continue to meet the rising demand for cargo transportation between Asia and North America," said the airline.
JAL's flight schedule shows that ORD-NRT flights will be operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while NRT-ORD flights will be carried out on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. These flights will be operated using a 777-300ERSF.
Then in May, ORD-NRT flights will be operated on Wednesdays and Fridays, while NRT-ORD flights will run on Thursdays and Saturdays. These flights will be operated using a 747-400F.
All flights will stop at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) for refuelling.
Kalitta has conducted codeshare operations with JAL in the past, including in 2019 and 2023. However, JAL only resumed freighter operations in February 2024 for the first time in 13 years.
Data from Planespotters shows JAL's freighter fleet includes three 767-300Fs. According to the fleet site, the airline is due to take delivery of a 777-300F, to be operated by Kalitta Air.
Meanwhile, Kalitta Air has a total of 34 freighters, including 21 747Fs and 13 777Fs.
