Tokyo, January 21, 2022 - Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd. (YHD) and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) jointly announced to launch air freighter operations between Tokyo and Hokkaido, Kyushu and Okinawa in April 2024 in an effort to build a sustainable and resilient logistics network for long-distance transport.
Logistic providers including YHD are facing a law amendment set to take effect in April 2024 which will require the yearly overtime work hours of drivers be limited to 960 hours. This will require YHD to secure the transportation capacity for subject areas. Not only the law amendment, YHD has had to deal with the risks caused by frequently occurring natural disasters in recent years. Meanwhile, JAL also needs to secure transportation capacity as it adjusts to the situation of downsizing its fleet while increasing frequency of domestic operations due to long-term population decline and the COVID-19 pandemic, which is impacting cargo operations.
YHD will introduce the freighters and entrust the JAL Group with operation. The purpose of the introduction is to adopt a new means of transport in order to maintain and increase the level of service and transportation capacity YHD has achieved up to now using trucks, rail, ferry and the cargo space of passenger aircraft.
YHD and JAL believe that this freighter operation combines the assets and knowledge of both companies and will lead to the creation of freighter businesses capable of contributing to regional revitalization such as new distribution channels targeting businesses or customers directly (D to B/C) from regional areas. YHD and JAL assume that contributing to resolution of regional and social issues will serve as an opportunity to grow the freighter business further and consequently build a sustainable society. As our social responsibility, YHD and JAL continuously undertake the task of managing transportation efficiency to reduce environmental load as well.
The subject airports where YHD will adopt the freighters are Narita, Haneda, New Chitose, Kitakyushu and Naha. Operation will commence in April 2024.
General Information:
Model: Airbus A321ceo P2F
Number of Aircraft: 3
Maximum Payload: 28t/aircraft (equivalent to 5~6 10-ton vehicles) Loading Containers: AAY (Main Deck): 14 AKH (Lower Deck): 10
Operating Company: Jetstar Japan Co., Ltd.
Operating Airports: Haneda, Narita, New Chitose, Kitakyushu, Naha
Note: Operation is contingent on approval from the relevant government authorities.