Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed a deal with Yamato Holdings to operate 21 freighters per day on its behalf starting April 2024. The airline plans to launch the cargo operations using Airbus A321 P2F.
The flights will be operated by Spring Airlines Japan, JAL’s low-cost subsidiary. Spring Airlines have taken the deliveries of two Airbus A321ceos for conversion while the third aircraft is expected to be delivered by February 2023.
“At each of the airports where freighters are scheduled to operate, we are installing the necessary aircraft and improving the facilities required for the launch of freighters. Both companies will hire new personnel, including those who will be involved in flight operations and freight handling, in preparation for the launch of the new aircraft in 2024,” the airline said in a statement.
The P2F modifications will be carried out by Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) in Singapore from March 2023. The aircraft is expected to be ready by April 2024, sporting the Yamoto Transport livery.
The airline plans to operate on domestic routes between Tokyo, Kitakyushu, Sapporo, and Okinawa, awaiting approval from the regulatory body.
According to Airbus, the A 321 P2F can carry up to 14 full-size cargo containers on the main deck and up to 10 on the lower deck. Its maximum payload is 27 tons.
