Yamato Holdings and Japan Airlines (JAL) have announced plans to end their dedicated domestic freighter operations by around June 2027, marking a major change in Japan’s air cargo strategy. The programme, launched in April 2024, was introduced to address the country’s logistics “2024 problem” and the shortage of truck drivers.
The partnership operates three Airbus A321 converted freighters on domestic routes. However, rising aviation costs, driven by the weak yen and higher fuel prices, have made air transportation more expensive than initially expected. This has widened the cost difference between air and road freight.
Rather than continuing with dedicated freighters, Yamato and JAL plan to make greater use of cargo space on passenger flights along with other transport modes. The companies believe this approach will provide a more sustainable and flexible logistics network while maintaining stable delivery services.
The decision highlights the challenges facing dedicated domestic air cargo operations, where fuel prices, currency movements and operating costs can significantly affect the economics of moving freight by air.