Japan Airlines (JAL) and DHL Express have signed a long-term contract to utilise JAL’S Boeing 767-300 freighters. The companies have stated that they aim to use the new partnership to leverage “growing customer demand in the expanding international express and e-commerce shipping market in the East Asia region. We view this pact as solidifying the longstanding partnership between JAL and DHL. JAL’s partnership with DHL will support previously announced plans to connect Japan, Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei using Boeing 767-300ER freighters”, Yuichiro Kito, executive officer, Cargo & Mail, JAL, said. JAL had mentioned earlier this month that it would launch freighter operations on 19 February. It has already taken delivery of one 767-300ER freighter converted from its passenger fleet and is due to add a further two 767-300 freighter conversions. In response to the 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 APAC. “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,” he added.