air-cargo

JAL Suspends 767 Freighter Service on Tokyo-Hong Kong Route, Shifts to Kalitta Partnership

Japan Airlines has suspended its Boeing 767 freighter operations between Tokyo Narita and Hong Kong effective June 15 due to scheduled maintenance requirements. The carrier will maintain service levels through a codeshare arrangement with Kalitta Air while managing aircraft rotations. JAL and Kalitta have expanded their cargo cooperation significantly since signing their initial codeshare agreement for the Narita-Chicago corridor in May 2025. The carriers now operate that Asia-North America link three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using 747-400 freighters. Western Global Airlines provides complementary charter flights on Thursdays and Saturdays. JAL indicated additional schedule updates would be provided for services beginning September 16. The arrangement underscores the carrier's strategy of maintaining regional connectivity following its re-entry into dedicated cargo operations in early 2024.