JAL expands cargo services with new Narita-Chicago route

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Kalitta Air announced the commencement of a codeshare agreement for regular cargo flights on the Narita-Chicago route starting from May 10, 2025.

JAL resumed operations of its own freighter in February 2024 for the first time in 13 years, expanding the air cargo transportation network along with the cargo space on passenger flights, says an official release. "The new codeshare agreement with Kalitta will enable JAL to meet the continued strong demand for cargo transportation between Asia and North America by providing stable and flexible air cargo services with the addition of large cargo aircraft from another company."

Additionally, the passenger flight on the Narita-Chicago route will be launched on May 31, 2025, further enhancing the transportation network between Japan and North America, contributing to the further promotion of both passenger and cargo transportation, the release added.

The operating company will be Kalitta Air, and operations will be conducted using the 747-400F in May, the release added.

From September 1 to October 25, 2025, arrival at Chicago will be at 15:45 and departure from Chicago will be at 12:10.

"JAL aims to contribute to solving social issues and achieve sustainable growth as a logistics infrastructure by expanding the air transportation network and responding to the demand for high-value-added cargo such as high-tech, chemicals and express items with high-quality cargo handling, which is a strength of JALCARGO. "

The latest Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft (with a payload of 102 tonnes) owned by Kalitta operates with better fuel efficiency than the 747-400F, the release added.