NORTHWEST AIRLINES CARGO AND JAPAN AIRLINES CARGO ANNOUNCE ALLIANCE AGREEMENT

Northwest Airlines Cargo and JAL Cargo today announced that they have reached a long-term agreement for a cargo alliance. The alliance will provide customers in the U.S. and Asia with more schedule options and improved service for their shipping needs.

Subject to government approvals, the initial phase of the alliance will begin on September 1, 2000, and will focus on freighter flights between the U.S. and Asia. Using codesharing and interline space agreements, each partner will increase its capacity options from major gateways in the U.S., Japan, and Asia.

“This is an exciting time for Northwest and JAL. More than ever, cargo customers demand global solutions for their transportation needs, and alliances are recognized as an efficient way to meet the needs of our customers,” said John Dasburg, president and chief executive officer of Northwest Airlines Corporation.

Isao Kaneko, president and chief executive officer of Japan Airlines added, “JAL and Northwest both have a long history of developing air cargo in the Pacific. Now our companies will work collaboratively to develop the network and reliable service that our cargo customers demand."

Northwest and JAL each have developed a fleet of ten 747-200 freighters. All but one of them are factory-built 747-200 freighters, which enables the carriers to enjoy heavy payloads and maximum loading efficiency. Northwest's tenth freighter enters service in September of this year, and JAL's tenth freighter enters service in December.

“This alliance builds on the success Northwest has had in building alliances in other regions of the world, such as in the North Atlantic with KLM Cargo,” said Mickey Foret, president of Northwest Airlines Cargo. “This is just the first step in what we see as a very long-term relationship with JAL Cargo to develop the best network in the industry.”

Northwest is the largest freighter aircraft operator among U.S. combination airlines. The freighter markets served include Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Manila and Guam in Asia, and New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Anchorage in the U.S.

JAL Cargo is the largest freighter aircraft operator among Japan combination airlines. The freighter markets served include Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur in Asia, Frankfurt, London, Paris in Europe, and New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Anchorage in the U.S.

“We are very pleased to be joining forces with Northwest Airlines Cargo,” said Juntaro Shimizu, senior vice president, cargo and mail for Japan Airlines. “Northwest is one of the leading airfreight carriers in Asia and in the U.S., and together we will provide our customers with more choices and schedule options.”

Future phases of the cargo alliance will focus on achieving improved customer service in all aspects of the carriers’ cargo operations. The alliance will provide seamless service through systems integration and coordinated warehouse operations.

“JAL and Northwest will be excellent cargo partners. We are both committed to developing the airfreight business, and we are both committed to providing cargo customers with world-class service," said Jim Friedel, vice president and general manager for Northwest Airlines Cargo. “Through time-definite products and on-time performance, we intend to be the first choice of our customers.”