Japan Airlines (JAL) and Cargolux will strengthen their existing air cargo partnership with the start of codeshare operations on the Narita International Airport (NRT) – Luxembourg Airport (LUX) route.
According to JAL, the latest development in its partnership with Cargolux will also see JAL offer capacity for both airlines on interline flights from NRT in Tokyo to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in the US.
The renewed partnership was signed at IATA WCS 2026 in Lima, but announced on 25 March.
The relationship between JAL and Cargolux dates back more than 30 years, since JAL supported the launch of Cargolux flights to Komatsu Airport (KMG) in 1994. JAL is responsible for carrying out the ground handling for these flights.
“By combining the networks that are the strengths of both companies, we will continue to provide highly convenient air cargo services to a wider range of customers in Asia, Europe, and North America,” said JAL.
“In response to the strong demand for cargo, we will contribute to the further development of logistics infrastructure and work to create new value through logistics.”
JAL’s general manager of cargo and postal Yuichiro Kifuji stated: “With the recent start of codeshare operations on JAL and CV’s scheduled cargo flights, new space will be secured for European routes.
“In the rapidly growing Asia-Europe and the US, a more robust and stable air cargo transportation network will be realized.
“The addition of CV’s network based in Luxembourg to the network that has been strengthened so far will allow JAL Cargo to deliver high-quality cargo handling services to customers in the wider European region.”
Pierandrea Galli, executive vice president commercial planning, Cargolux, added: “Japan has been a pivotal market for Cargolux for many years, and the partnership with JAL represents a significant step forward for both companies.
“The new development on this Pacific route will complement the existing Asia-North America flight. By deepening our interline collaboration and securing access to JAL Cargo’s Asia-Pacific freighter network, we will expand our strategic global market presence and deliver services based on the exceptional quality standards shared by both companies by combining our network and operational strengths.”
In December, JAL struck an agreement with Kalitta Air to increase the number of weekly codeshare cargo flights operated by Kalitta Air between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
