Japan Airlines Cargo (JALCARGO) and JR East are launching a new cargo service that combines the strengths of the Shinkansen high-speed rail network and JAL’s global air cargo network.
Launching on 13 January, the JAL de Hako-byun service is expected to significantly reduce transit times to destinations in Asia. It is also expected to help reduce CO₂ emissions through modal shifts to rail.
The service will run from Hako-byun service stations in Japan, including Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, Shin-Aomori, Morioka, Akita, Sendai, Niigata, Nagao, Tsuruga and others. Flights will depart from Tokyo International (Haneda) and Narita International airports, destined for Singapore Changi, Kuala Lumpur International, Hong Kong International, Taiwan Taoyuan and Taipei Songshan.
Transit times from Niigata to Hong Kong are expected to be reduced from around 30 hours using conventional transport to 18 hours, while shipments from Nagano to Malaysia will take 34 hours rather than 40+ hours.
The launch of the JAL de Hako-byun integrated rail-air cargo service follows a successful trial shipment from Sendai to Singapore in October 2025.
The first commercial shipment will be a specialist seafood export from Tsuruga to Taiwan. The shipment will travel by rail from Tsuruga to Tokyo, depart from Haneda airport and arrive at Taipei Songshan Airport. From there, the cargo will be transported by land to Taiwan Taoyuan Airport for customs clearance.
Moving forward, JALCARGO and JR East said they intend to expand the transportation network and further enhance service offerings.
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