Japan Airlines hires B747 cargo carriers to meet high-tech demand

Japan Airlines has expanded scheduled transcontinental all-cargo flights, utilizing Boeing 747 freighter aircraft operated by three large cargo airlines to take advantage of surging demand for shipments of semiconductors and digital equipment, much of it to support the rapid buildout of AI infrastructure.

The Tokyo-based carrier began flying freighters again for the first time in 13 years in February 2024 and now operates three Boeing 767-300 converted freighters that previously flew for its passenger business. But those aircraft primarily operate on intra-Asia routes.

In a 2035 strategy outlined in March, Japan Airlines said it planned to add large freighters to the cargo business to meet robust demand between Asia, North America and Europe, especially for high-value cargo such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Towards that end, Japan Airlines has enlisted U.S.-based carriers Atlas Air and Kalitta Air, as well as Cargolux, to operate cargo jets under long-term charter agreements, according to a company news release earlier this month.

This story was originally published by FreightWaves. Read the full story at FreightWaves →