Tokyo – October 07, 2026 -- NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS (NX Group) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have launched a transport partnership using a Boeing 747 freighter to serve surging demand for AI- and semiconductor-related cargo across intra-Asia and North America-Asia routes.
First flight departed Los Angeles on October 3, 2026
The 747F, secured by JAL through partner cooperation, flies a round-trip circuit from Los Angeles via Narita, Taipei (Taoyuan), Singapore and back to Narita before returning to Los Angeles. The service operates once weekly in 2026, with both companies planning further network expansion.
Aircraft offers roughly 100 tons of payload capacity for scarce intra-Asia freighter routes
Few airlines currently operate large freighters within Asia, particularly between Tokyo, Taipei and Singapore, where demand for AI- and chip-related cargo is described as very strong. The Narita-Taipei-Singapore-Narita leg aims to fill that capacity gap for shippers with limited large-freighter options.
Circuit routing enables cargo loading and unloading at each port of call
The multi-stop structure allows flexible routing design and efficient operations for cargo moving between North America -- including Latin America beyond -- and Asia. The companies say the aircraft's large-freighter capabilities also suit oversized and heavy cargo such as server racks and data center equipment, driven by generative AI adoption and digital infrastructure investment.
Partnership marks first large-freighter service to the U.S. West Coast for JAL via this NX tie-up
Satoshi Otsuji, Senior Managing Executive Officer and President of NX Group's Global Business Headquarters, said the partnership builds on years of cooperation with JAL to expand the international air cargo network using large freighters. Yuichiro Kito, JAL's Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Cargo and Mail, said the tie-up adds large freighter service to the U.S. West Coast for the first time alongside JAL's passenger flights and freighter network, extending JALCARGO's handling services to more customers in rapidly growing markets.