Aerospace

Japan Airlines Set To Fly Airbus A321P2F In Spring 2024

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) and Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd. (YHD) have decided on the routes and number of flights of a dedicated freighter aircraft, which is scheduled to begin operating in April 2024, in order to secure stable transportation capacity, maintain and improve service quality, and address social issues like regional revitalization. Both companies will continue to work toward the launch of the new service.

IndiGo receives its first A321 Freighter aircraft for cargo service(Opens in a new browser tab)

From April 2024 onward, we plan to operate a total of 21 flights per day on the following four routes using all three Airbus A321ceo P2F aircraft*. Application to and approval by the appropriate authorities are required for this plan.

(1) Tokyo (Narita/Haneda) = Kitakyushu
(2) Tokyo (Narita/Haneda) = Sapporo (New-Chitose)
(3) Tokyo (Narita) – Okinawa (Naha)
(4) Okinawa (Naha) – Kitakyushu

Two of the three aircraft have already been delivered, and the third will arrive in February 2023. Commencing in Singapore March 2023, the aircraft will be gradually converted from a passenger aircraft to a solely dedicated freighter aircraft. EFW of Germany holds a contract for the conversion programme to a dedicated freighter aircraft.

AirAsia X takes flight to Tokyo-Haneda(Opens in a new browser tab)

*EFW was jointly founded by the aircraft manufacturer AIRBUS and ST Engineering of Singapore, a business that specializes in converting Airbus aircraft from passenger to freighters.

The operating company will be changed to Spring Japan Co., Ltd. a JAL consolidated subsidiary. In light of the external environment, the JAL Group will optimize the allocation of management resources, strengthen the business foundation of its LCCs, and accelerate Group-wide preparations for the start of dedicated freighter flights in April 2024.

We are putting in the essential planes and enhancing the infrastructure needed for the launch of freighters at each of the airports where they are expected to fly. In order to be ready for the 2024 launch of the new aircraft, both companies will hire new personnel, including those who will be involved in flight operations and freight handling.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.