JAL to reduce freighter service to the U.S.

Due to the weakening US economy, Japan Airlines has announced that they will reduce freighter service to/from NRT to the US.

Specifically, JAL announced that beginning in January 2009, they will suspend freighter service to New York and reduce freighter flight frequency from 6 to 5 flights per week on the NRT - LAX route.

Via JAL.com:

In order to build a more profitable business structure, the airline will concentrate its freighter resources on just two destinations in North America: Chicago and Los Angeles. By concentrating on fewer freighter destinations in North America and adjusting demand and supply, JAL aims to speedily respond to changes in the business environment and further improve profitability.

The airline is currently facing a tough environment, particularly in terms of its North American freighter business. Even though the price of fuel has stabilized, it has remained at a very high level. Furthermore, the business outlook, centering on North America, remains gloomy.