ANA Group is set to transform its international freighter network following the integration of Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA). From March 29, 2026, the carrier will ramp up capacity on the Narita–Bangkok route and introduce five new weekly freighter flights linking Japan to Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Leveraging Boeing 767Fs for regional Asia services and 777Fs/747Fs for transpacific and European routes, ANA is combining strategic fleet deployment with network synergies to capture growing cargo demand across Asia, North America, and Europe. The move marks a pivotal step in ANA’s post-acquisition strategy to become Japan’s leading combination passenger and cargo operator, with full reorganisation slated for FY2026 and NCA maintaining its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
ANA Group is accelerating its cargo growth strategy with the expansion of its freighter network, following the full integration of Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) into the group last year. The carrier has announced plans to increase frequencies on key North American routes while also strengthening its Bangkok services, reflecting a broader post-acquisition network realignment.
Strengthening Asia, North America, and Europe Connectivity
Under the new strategy, ANA Group will leverage All Nippon Airways (ANA) freighters for intra-Asia operations and NCA-operated freighters for transpacific and European services, while continuing to optimise cargo capacity on ANA passenger flights.
Effective 29 March 2026, ANA will enhance its Narita (NRT)–Bangkok (BKK) route, adding additional freighter frequencies to meet rising demand for Asia-bound shipments. In parallel, NCA freighters, in combination with partner airline flights, will introduce a total of five new weekly round-trips on NRT–Chicago (ORD), NRT–Dallas (DFW), and NRT–Los Angeles (LAX) services, further strengthening ANA Group’s North American network.
“As Japan’s largest combination carrier, ANA Group will strengthen its Asia routes using ANA freighters and its network in North America and Europe through NCA freighters, in addition to cargo on ANA passenger flights, to reliably capture cargo flows between Asia and the North American / European markets,” said a spokesperson from ANA Group.
Fleet Deployment and Operational Overview
To support the expanded network, Boeing 767Fs will primarily operate Asian routes, while Boeing 777Fs and 747Fswill be deployed on long-haul services to North America and Europe. The combination of aircraft types allows ANA to optimise capacity for diverse cargo segments, including e-commerce, automotive parts, and high-value industrial goods.
The move follows ANA’s acquisition of NCA from NYK in August 2025, positioning the group as Japan’s largest combination passenger and cargo carrier. Since the acquisition, ANA and NCA have been utilising combined cargo capacity and implemented a codeshare agreement for cargo flights between Japan, Europe, and North America in October 2025, creating an integrated network for high-demand international freight corridors.
Post-Acquisition Network Strategy
ANA’s reorganisation is designed to be completed by FY2026, with NCA maintaining its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to ensure operational continuity. By combining NCA’s long-haul freighter expertise with ANA’s regional operations and passenger cargo capabilities, the group aims to capture cargo flows more reliably, expand network reach, and strengthen service offerings for corporate and logistics clients.
The expansion represents a significant step in ANA Group’s long-term strategy to consolidate its position as a leading global air cargo operator, enhancing connectivity between Asia, North America, and Europe while optimising fleet utilisation and operational efficiency.
