ANA Becomes the First Japanese Airline to Launch the Boeing 777 Freighter

· Introduction of Boeing 777F positions ANA to better serve changing transportation needs in Asia and the U.S.

TOKYO, July 2, 2019 —　All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest and 5-Star airline for seven consecutive years, is introducing the Boeing 777 Freighter to its fleet today to aid with increased cargo transportation demand in Asia and North America. The start of operations for these aircraft is the culmination of expansion plans that ANA HD announced in 2018.

ANA received its first Boeing 777F, nicknamed “BLUE JAY,” on May 24, 2019 at Tokyo Haneda International Airport. The specially-designed aircraft has the ability to transport large items ranging from aircraft engines, to semiconductor manufacturing equipment as well as cargo requiring a high degree of care such as lithium batteries and pharmaceuticals. From July 2 through Aug. 25, 2019 the BLUE JAY will operate connecting cargo flights from Narita International Airport to Shanghai Pudong International Airport with a stop at Kansai International Airport. Starting from Aug. 26, 2019 ANA will offer a direct cargo flight from Narita International Airport to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

“The Boeing 777F aircraft elevates the ANA fleet to a new level,” said Toshiaki Toyama, President of ANA Cargo INC. “These 777Fs are significantly larger than the Boeing 767F models used to ferry cargo in Asia, giving ANA additional flexibility in how the aircraft are used. The aircraft will aid in the expansion of ANA’s services to include a whole new set of customers and increase ANA’s ability to safely transport larger cargo.”

ANA currently boasts a strong Asian flight network centered around the Okinawa freight hub and is planning to expand its network in North America this year with the addition of large-scale cargo flights complementing its current passenger air travel options. ANA will add cargo flights to its North American operations starting on Oct. 27, 2019 with Boeing 777F flights will transport items from Narita International Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Furthermore, ANA is providing bespoke “PRIO SENSITIVE” service for delicate cargo being transported by its Boeing 777F aircraft. This service offers an additional layer of protection to fragile cargo, such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment and medical equipment. ANA is also offering a unique “PRIO VEHICLE” service that will allow for the transportation of a variety of vehicles ranging from compact cars to SUVs.

The addition of the Boeing 777F aircraft will increase ANA’s ability to provide top-of-the-line service to its customers. As the first Japanese airline to make use of the freighter, ANA is equipped to meet emerging customer needs while providing hassle-free transportation options for all cargo no matter its size or composition. As ANA’s international cargo operation grows to include North America, the carrier is committed to bringing the same level of service and convenience that has made it a leader in both Asian cargo transportation and international passenger air service.