Japan Airlines and Cargolux Airlines Begin Strategic Cargo Cooperation
Japan Airlines (JAL) and Cargolux Airlines have launched a new cargo cooperation covering key intercontinental routes, effective 1 April 2026, strengthening connectivity between Asia, Europe and North America.
The partnership includes:
- Narita–Luxembourg–Narita (codeshare on Cargolux-operated flights)
- Narita–Chicago–Narita (interline cargo space on JAL flights)
Strengthening Global Cargo Connectivity
The cooperation connects Tokyo Narita with Luxembourg Airport, one of Europe’s leading cargo hubs, while also enhancing transpacific capacity between Japan and the United States.
By combining their networks, the two airlines aim to offer customers improved access to global markets, particularly across high-demand trade lanes linking Asia with Europe and North America.
Building on Long-Standing Partnership
The collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship between the carriers, which dates back to 1994 when JAL supported Cargolux’s entry into the Japanese market via Komatsu Airport.
The new agreement marks a significant expansion of that relationship, aligning both airlines’ strengths in freighter and passenger cargo operations.
Expanding Capacity Across Key Trade Lanes
Yuichiro Kito, Executive Officer of Cargo and Mail at Japan Airlines, said the partnership secures scheduled freighter capacity on major European routes, strengthening JAL’s cargo network.
He added that the cooperation complements JAL’s existing passenger and freighter services across Asia and the Americas, while extending its reach deeper into Europe through Luxembourg.
Pierandrea Galli, EVP Commercial Planning at Cargolux Airlines, described Japan as a cornerstone market for the airline and said the partnership enhances its transpacific offering.
He noted that combining the airlines’ complementary networks will expand their reach into strategic global markets and deliver a broader, high-quality service offering.
Supporting Growing Cargo Demand
Both carriers said the cooperation is designed to meet strong and sustained cargo demand across Asia-Europe and Asia-North America routes.
The partnership is also expected to contribute to the development of global logistics infrastructure, offering more seamless and efficient cargo solutions for customers worldwide.
Enhancing Network Synergies
By integrating freighter capacity and interline cargo space, Japan Airlines and Cargolux are positioning themselves to better serve evolving supply chain needs while strengthening their roles in global air cargo connectivity.