Japan Airlines (JAL) announced that it will be returning to the freighter market for the first time in 13 years in a bid to support air cargo demand and help address the truck driver shortage in Japan.
JAL said it has decided to introduce three Boeing 767-300ER Freighter (dedicated cargo aircraft) for the service.
"This will be the first time in 13 years that JAL will operate its own Freighter, and operations will begin sequentially from the end of the fiscal year 2023," the Tokyo-headquartered airline said.
JAL noted that it has been securing revenues "reliably and efficiently" in the air cargo business, where demand fluctuates widely, through flexible business operations by using cargo space on passenger flights and chartering other companies' freighters in response to demand.
Shortage of truck drivers in Japan
"However, with plans for further growth in the cargo and mail business, the company decided to operate its own freighters," it said, noting that the introduction of the Freighter would usher in a "new business model" will be established to ensure stable and growing demand.
"In addition, we will strengthen our air transportation capabilities to meet the logistics needs arising from the [shortage of truck drivers in Japan due to the revision of labour regulation], and contribute to solving social issues based on logistics," JAL added.
To capture domestic and international e-commerce, parcel delivery, and other high-growth cargo, the carrier noted that it will build alliances with logistics partners and operate routes that ensure stable demand.
In addition, it will ensure that domestic air transportation plays a growing role in response to the truck driver shortage issue and limit business risks caused by fluctuations in demand and market conditions.
JAL would also improve the aircraft utilization ratio and ensure profitability through the hybrid operation of international and domestic routes.
"From fiscal 2023, we will begin operating international flights mainly to East Asia, and in the future operate domestic flights to improve aircraft utilization while maximizing the cargo loading ratio," the carrier said.
"Furthermore, we will respond to customers' needs by flexibly offering charter and non-scheduled flights," it added.
