Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd. (Yamato) and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) are excited to announce the commencement of the conversion process for passenger aircraft to dedicated freighter aircraft. The conversion operations officially began on May 8, 2023 (Monday) in Singapore and are expected to be completed by mid-September. This initiative marks a significant milestone as both companies gear up to introduce dedicated freighter aircraft into their operations by April 2024.

Furthermore, YHD and JAL are pleased to inform that flight training for crew members will commence in late November following the ferry flight to Japan, which is scheduled for late October. The route and schedule for the flight training have already been finalized, ensuring a seamless transition to the operation of dedicated freighter aircraft.

1. Aircraft Delivery and Refurbishment Update

(1) Status of delivery

All three aircraft designated for conversion have been successfully delivered.

(2) Status of conversion (conversion from passenger aircraft to dedicated freighter aircraft)

The conversion of the first aircraft, carried out by ST Engineering in Singapore under the management and supervision of Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW) of Germany, commenced on May 8, 2023 (Monday).

The refurbishment process is estimated to be completed by mid-September, with a ferry flight to Japan scheduled for late October. The second and third aircraft are currently parked in France.

A ceremony was held on May 3, 2023 (Wednesday) to mark the beginning of the conversion program, bringing together the relevant parties involved in this endeavor.

2. Route and Schedule of Flight Training for Flight Crew Members

Spring Japan Co., Ltd., a consolidated subsidiary of JAL responsible for operations, will conduct flight training using actual aircraft (Airbus A321ceo P2F aircraft) starting from late November 2023.