Japan Airlines (JAL) and NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS have launched a new air cargo partnership connecting North America with key Asian markets, targeting growing demand for AI, semiconductor and other high-value technology-related shipments.
The new service uses a Boeing 747 freighter with a maximum payload of approximately 100 tonnes and operates on a circular route from Los Angeles to Tokyo Narita, Taipei Taoyuan and Singapore, before returning to Narita and Los Angeles. The first flight departed Los Angeles on October 3, 2026, with the service scheduled to operate once a week during 2026.
The partnership comes as demand for airfreight capacity associated with artificial intelligence infrastructure, semiconductors and digital infrastructure continues to grow across Asia and between Asia and North America.
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Large-freighter capacity addresses Asian demand
JAL and Nippon Express said demand for AI- and semiconductor-related cargo is particularly strong on the Tokyo–Taipei–Singapore corridor, while relatively few airlines operate large freighters within Asia. The new service is intended to address that capacity gap by deploying a 747F capable of carrying approximately 100 tonnes.
The aircraft is suited to shipments that require substantial capacity, including server racks, data-centre equipment and other oversized or heavy cargo, as well as high-value technology products. The companies said demand for these shipments is increasing alongside the expansion of generative AI and investment in digital infrastructure.
The circular routing also provides flexibility for shippers. Cargo can be loaded and unloaded at each stop, allowing customers to use different combinations of the North American and Asian sectors depending on their supply-chain requirements.
Greater flexibility for technology supply chains
The new operation strengthens the connection between the US West Coast and major Asian technology and manufacturing centres while adding large-freighter capacity within Asia.
JAL Executive Officer and Senior Vice President, Cargo and Mail, Yuichiro Kito, said the partnership builds on the company’s long-standing relationship with the NX Group and expands JAL’s ability to serve growing cargo markets. Kito said the partnership would bring large-freighter capacity to the US West Coast and allow JAL to extend its cargo network into rapidly growing markets. For Nippon Express, the service is intended to provide customers with greater stability and flexibility as air cargo requirements become more complex.
Satoshi Otsuji, Senior Managing Executive Officer and President of the Global Business Headquarters at NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, said the partnership would strengthen the NX Group’s ability to provide flexible transportation solutions while expanding its international air cargo network through large freighter aircraft.
JAL expands its large-freighter partnerships
The new NX partnership forms part of JAL’s broader strategy to increase access to large freighter capacity through partnerships with other carriers.
JAL’s October 2026 cargo schedule includes 747 freighter operations with Atlas Air on the Narita–Los Angeles routeand Kalitta Air on the Narita–Chicago route, alongside JAL’s own Boeing 767 freighter network.
JAL said the strategy reflects changing global supply chains and increased transportation demand associated with generative AI, semiconductor development and investment in digital infrastructure.
The airline and Nippon Express said they will continue to explore further network expansion as demand develops.
The launch also underlines the increasing importance of large-freighter capacity in supporting technology-driven supply chains, particularly where oversized equipment, high-value components and time-sensitive shipments require alternatives to passenger belly capacity and smaller freighter aircraft.
