ROUTES - JAL Expands Cargo Services with New Narita-Chicago Route Using Freighters and Passenger Aircraft

 Strengthening Asia-North America Transport with KALITTA and JAL -

Tokyo, JAPAN – Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Mitsuko Tottori, hereinafter "JAL") and KALITTA Air (Headquarters: Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA; CEO: Conrad Kalitta, hereinafter "KALITTA") are pleased to announce the commencement of a codeshare agreement for regular cargo flights on the Narita-Chicago route starting from Saturday, 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. 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.

■Flight Schedule

Period: April 4 to 26: Cargo Space will be provided on flights operated by KALITTA

Period: From May 10: Codeshare Operations with KALITTA will Commence

The plans and schedules are subject to application and approval by the relevant authorities.
The operating company will be KALITTA Air (operating code: K4).
The flight will stop at Anchorage Airport for refueling.
Operations will be conducted using the 747-400F in May.
*Reference: Launch of Passenger Flights on Narita-Chicago Route (From May 31)

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.

■Aircraft Overview

Aircraft Type: Boeing 777-300ERSF

Payload: 224,900lbs (102,000kg)

The latest Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft owned by KALITTA can carry more cargo than the conventional 777F and operates with better fuel-efficiency than the 747-400F.

Upper Cargo Compartment：33 Palettes

*Reference: Boeing 747-400F
Payload: 249,100lbs (112,990kg)
Upper Cargo Compartment: 30 Palettes
Lower Cargo Compartment: 9 Palettes, 4 Containers
About KALITTA Air
Established in 2000 and headquartered in Ypsilanti, Michigan in the United States. KALITTA Air operates an impressive fleet of Boeing 747-400F and Boeing 777 freighter aircraft. The airline offers a comprehensive range of air cargo services, including long-term charter, ACMI programs, and on-demand charters, with a broad geographical reach. Serving a diverse customer base of multi-national freight forwarders and agents, KALITTA Air ensures reliable and efficient transportation solutions globally. KALITTA has also conducted codeshare operations with JAL in the past, including in 2019 and 2023.

JAL