Japan Airlines and Cargolux Expand Global Cargo Network with New Scheduled Freighter Services Linking Narita Luxembourg and Chicago

(left) Yuichiro Kito – Executive Officer, Cargo and Mail Division, JAL (right) Pierandrea Galli – EVP Commercial Planning, CV.

(IN SHORT) Japan Airlines and Cargolux Airlines have launched a new cargo cooperation starting April 1, 2026, connecting Narita with Luxembourg and Chicago through a combination of codeshare and interline agreements. The partnership enhances cargo capacity and network reach across Asia, Europe and North America, supported by regular freighter schedules using Boeing 747 aircraft. Luxembourg serves as a key European hub, while Chicago strengthens transpacific connectivity, enabling both airlines to meet growing demand and deliver more reliable and efficient logistics solutions. The collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship and supports the continued development of global air cargo infrastructure.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG / NARITA, 2026-Mar-25 — /Travel PR News/ — Japan Airlines (JAL) and Cargolux Airlines have announced the launch of a new cooperation covering cargo operations on the Narita–Luxembourg–Narita and Narita–Chicago–Narita routes, effective April 1, 2026. The partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between the two carriers, which dates back to 1994, and aims to strengthen global cargo connectivity across Asia, Europe and North America.

Through this collaboration, JAL will offer codeshare cargo services on Cargolux-operated flights between Narita and Luxembourg, while also providing interline cargo capacity on Narita–Chicago routes. By combining their complementary networks, both airlines will expand their reach and deliver more efficient and flexible logistics solutions to customers.

Luxembourg will serve as a key European gateway, while Chicago strengthens transpacific connectivity, enabling improved cargo flows across major global trade corridors. The cooperation also allows JAL to secure stable freighter capacity on critical European routes, complementing its existing network between Asia and the Americas.

Flight Schedule (Narita – Chicago – Narita)

Period: April 1 to September 30

  • JL6747 – Narita to Chicago
    Departure: 11:25 | Arrival: 12:30+1 | Operation Days: Thursday, Saturday | Aircraft: Boeing 747-400F
  • JL6746 – Chicago to Narita
    Departure: 01:30 | Arrival: 08:30 | Operation Days: Wednesday, Friday | Aircraft: Boeing 747-400F

Japan Airlines flights operated by Kalitta Air

Flight Schedule (Luxembourg – Narita – Luxembourg)

Period: April 1 to September 30

  • JL6776 / CV7332 – Luxembourg to Narita
    Departure: 20:10 | Arrival: 17:30+1 | Operation Day: Tuesday | Aircraft: Boeing 747-8F
  • JL6776 / CV7335 – Luxembourg to Narita
    Departure: 16:10 | Arrival: 13:30+1 | Operation Day: Friday | Aircraft: Boeing 747-8F
  • JL6775 / CV7333 – Narita to Luxembourg
    Departure: 19:30 | Arrival: 10:10+1 | Operation Day: Wednesday | Aircraft: Boeing 747-8F
  • JL6775 / CV7366 – Narita to Luxembourg
    Departure: 15:30 | Arrival: 06:10+1 | Operation Day: Saturday | Aircraft: Boeing 747-8F

Cargolux Airlines is the operating carrier for Luxembourg routes
Schedules subject to regulatory approval

The integration of these schedules ensures regular and reliable freighter capacity across key routes, supporting increasing cargo demand between Asia, Europe and North America.

The partnership enables both airlines to enhance operational efficiency and deliver high-quality cargo handling services across a broader network. It also contributes to strengthening global logistics infrastructure by providing seamless connections across major economic regions.

JAL continues to expand its cargo capabilities through strategic partnerships, while Cargolux strengthens its transpacific presence and access to Asian markets. Together, the airlines aim to deliver consistent, high-performance logistics solutions to meet evolving customer needs.

About Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan’s first private aviation company, was established in 1951 and is a member of the oneworld® Alliance. The airline operates a fleet of 232 aircraft (as of March 2025) and began renewing its international long-haul aircraft with the Airbus A350-1000 starting 2023 Winter Schedule. Together with other JAL Group and partner airlines, JAL offers an extensive domestic and international network that serves 395 airports across 68 countries/regions. The airline has received numerous accolades for its exceptional service, including being recognized as a certified 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and being awarded the prestigious “World Class” Airline title by APEX, the Airline Passenger Experience Association. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide.
For details and to learn more, visit JAL’s official website at https://www.jal.com/en/

About Cargolux
Cargolux, based in Luxembourg, is Europe’s leading all-cargo airline operating a fleet of 30 Boeing 747-8 freighters and Boeing 747-400 freighters. As a future-geared airline, Cargolux also has 10 efficient Boeing 777-8F on order to replace its ageing 747-400 aircraft. The Cargolux worldwide network covers over 50 destinations on scheduled all-cargo flights and offers full and part-charter services. The company has more than 90 offices in over 50 countries and operates an extensive global trucking network to more than 250 destinations. With over 50 years of experience in the air cargo industry and an extensive product portfolio, Cargolux provides tailored transport solutions for all types of shipments. The Cargolux Group also offers aerial firefighting services through its dedicated unit Aquarius Aerial Firefighting. As a responsible cargo carrier, Cargolux has developed a solid Sustainability program encompassing Environmental, Social, and Governance principles. The Cargolux Group employs close to 4,000 staff members worldwide.

SOURCE: JAPAN AIRLINES

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