JAL and Kalitta to cooperate on NRT–ORD
Starting today, 4 April, Japan Airlines (JAL) began offering cargo space on Kalitta Air-operated flights between Tokyo (NRT) and Chicago (ORD).
This marks the first phase of a new collaboration effort between the two partners, with a full codeshare agreement also being launched on 10 May.
By leveraging Kalitta’s Boeing B747-400F freighters, JAL can respond more flexibly to high trans-Pacific demand and expand its cargo capacity beyond its own network. The partnership complements JAL’s resumed freighter operations, which restarted in 2024 after a 13-year hiatus.
JAL will launch its own passenger service between Narita and Chicago on 31 May, adding additional bellyhold cargo capacity and thus further strengthening the route. For JAL the collaboration with Kalitta, which has partnered JAL in the past, reflects a renewed push to offer high-quality services for time-critical and high-value shipments. (ah)