Japan Airlines (JAL) is considering expanding its freighter fleet after re-entering the all-cargo market in 2024 with three converted Boeing 767-300ERs, reported London's Air Cargo News.

The carrier had exited the freighter business in 2010 following bankruptcy but returned during the Covid crisis when passenger aircraft were used to carry cargo. Marketing director Tatsusuke Osakabe stated that the success of those operations convinced management of the need to diversify revenue streams.

The 767 freighters are deployed on intra-Asia services, while transpacific cargo is handled through a codeshare with Kalitta Air using Boeing 747 and 777 freighters. In April, the partners added a sixth weekly frequency between Tokyo Narita and Chicago.

JAL's 10-year plan includes ambitions to expand cargo operations between Asia, Europe, and the US with larger freighters. The expansion of Narita Airport, which will gain a third runway in 2029, is expected to boost cargo volumes from two million to three million tons annually.

To meet demand, JAL plans a new warehouse equipped with advanced technology such as unmanned dollies and automated ULD handling. Osakabe mentioned that the facility will improve efficiency and working conditions.

Cargo revenues rose 16.3 percent year-on-year to JPY163 billion (US$1.01 billion) in the financial year to March 2026, with volumes up 8.3 percent to 910,000 tonnes. Growth was driven by international demand, e-commerce, and Southeast Asian exports.

Partnerships include domestic operations with Yamato using Airbus A321 freighters, cooperation with JR East to move seafood by Shinkansen rail, and an expanded codeshare with Cargolux on the Narita-Luxembourg route.

Looking ahead, Osakabe expects demand for AI-related products from Asia to the US and continued e-commerce growth from China to Europe. However, he warned that rising jet fuel prices and shifting capacity could pressure rates, adding that the outlook remains uncertain.