Saturday, March 22, 2025 Tokyo and Chicago are now more closely connected through a new cargo flight partnership between Japan Airlines and Kalitta Air. The collaboration aims to enhance air freight services between the two major cities, boosting trans-Pacific logistics and supporting growing demand for reliable cargo transport. By leveraging Kalitta Air’s operational expertise and Japan Airlines’ extensive network, the new service is expected to streamline cargo movement, improve efficiency, and strengthen both companies’ presence in the international air freight market.
Japan Airlines (JAL) and Kalitta Air have officially signed a codeshare agreement to operate scheduled cargo flights between Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), beginning Saturday, 10 May. This strategic partnership marks a significant step forward for both carriers as they strengthen their presence in the transpacific air cargo market. The agreement comes on the heels of JAL’s recent return to the dedicated freighter business in February 2024.
This was a major milestone for the airline, which had been absent from the freighter market for 13 years following its withdrawal in 2011. During that time, JAL relied exclusively on belly cargo space in its passenger aircraft and occasional use of chartered freighter services from other operators. The return to freighter operations reflects a broader strategy by JAL to meet increasing global cargo demand,.
