Japan Airlines Cargo (Jalcargo) and East Japan Railway Company (JR East) are launching a new freight service. This initiative combines the Shinkansen high-speed rail network with JAL's global air cargo system.

Named JAL de Hako-byun, the service debuted on 13/1. It is expected to significantly shorten transit times to destinations across Asia and reduce CO2 emissions by shifting transport from road to rail.

A Japan Airlines Cargo aircraft. Photo: Jalcargo

The service will operate from Hako-byun network stations in Japan, including: Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, Shin-Aomori, Morioka, Akita, Sendai, Niigata, Nagano, Tsuruga, and other locations. Cargo will then be air-freighted from Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports to destinations such as: Singapore Changi, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taiwan Taoyuan, and Taipei Songshan.

According to Jalcargo, transit time from Niigata to Hong Kong will decrease from approximately 30 hours to 18 hours. The Nagano to Malaysia route will shorten from over 40 hours to 34 hours.

The full launch of the JAL de Hako-byun integrated rail-air freight service follows a successful test shipment from Sendai to Singapore in october 2025.

The first commercial shipment involved specialized seafood exports from Tsuruga to Taiwan (China). It was transported by train to Tokyo, then flown from Haneda Airport to Taipei Songshan, before continuing by road to Taiwan Taoyuan Airport for customs clearance.

Jalcargo and JR East plan to expand their transportation network and enhance integrated logistics services.

Hai My (Via Logistics Manager)