JAL to add dedicated freighters

Japan Airlines has announced on 2 May 2023 that it will add dedicated freighters to its fleet as part of its updated business plan to expand its revenues from cargo. In total the airline will add three converted B767-300ERs to the fleet, the first of which is expected to arrive at the end of the 2023 fiscal year. JAL will utilize the new freighters on flights between Japan and destinations in East Asia, as well as domestic operations. It's currently unclear where the airframes are coming from.

The addition of the trio freighters means a return of dedicated freighters in the JAL-fleet after thirteen years when it retired its final Boeing B747-400BCFs. However, it's not the only expansion of the freight business JAL is developing as the company will also operate three Airbus A321P2Fs by their subsidiary Spring Airlines Japan for Japanese delivery company Yamato.

Illustration by Japan Airlines.