Yamato Holdings and Japan Airlines (JAL) will wind down their domestic cargo-only freighter aircraft operations around June 2027, after rising jet fuel costs undermined profitability. The service began in April 2024 as a response to Japan’s logistics labor shortage concerns following stricter overtime regulations for truck drivers. Yamato procured the aircraft, while JAL and its low-cost carrier subsidiary Spring Japan operated the flights from six airports. Conflicts involving the United States, Israel and Iran increased geopolitical risks, while the yen’s depreciation further lifted fuel expenses beyond initial projections. Yamato said the cost gap between airfreight and truck transportation widened against expectations. Route restructuring and efforts to secure new orders did not fully offset the increase. Details of the shutdown will be announced by route, and cargo will be redirected through alternatives including unused capacity on passenger flights. The withdrawal after just over three years highlights air cargo’s sensitivity to fuel-price volatility.