DHL Express and Japan Airlines (JAL) have signed a long-term contract to utilize Boeing767-300 cargo aircraft owned by JAL. With this new partnership, both companies will build a sustainable network to capture growing customer demand in the expanding international express and e-commerce shipping market in the East Asia region.

In partnership with DHL, JAL will establish a new business model in their network to connect Japan, Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei as announced on December 1, 2023. The aim is to provide businesses and consumers with a stable and sustainable air cargo network as they trade and purchase internationally.

In response to the robust growth of cross-border express shipments, DHL has strengthened its infrastructure network, including the recent inauguration of its expanded Central Asia Hub, its largest hub facility in Asia Pacific. Using the routes which JAL will inaugurate after February 19, 2024, DHL will further strengthen its intra-East Asia network.

Yuichiro Kito, Executive Officer, Cargo & Mail of Japan Airlines Co., Ltd said, “We view this agreement as further solidifying the longstanding partnership between JAL and DHL. As we operate our own freighters for the first time in 13 years, we will contribute to solving social issues and also position it as the driver of our company's dramatic business growth in addition to meeting the growing needs of our customers.”

Tony Khan, President, and Representative Director of DHL Express Japan said, "This new agreement with JAL is an important milestone for DHL as we continue to strengthen our air network between Japan and East Asia. By ensuring the stability of our air network, we can also provide a more flexible and stable response to shipment growth and demand changes, especially between China and Japan, which is one of the most important routes.”