ANA to utilize 777F for inter-Asia, trans-Pacific routes

Japan-based combination carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) released its 2019 flight schedule, which reveals how the carrier’s soon-to-be-delivered 777 freighter will be utilized to address “projected increases in demand over the medium- to long-term for routes between Asia and North America,” ANA said.

Next summer, the carrier plans to initially utilize the freighter for six-times weekly service on a rotation that connects Tokyo Narita (NRT) – Kansai (KIX) – Shanghai Pudong (PVG) – Tokyo Narita. Following route approval, ANA plans to use the aircraft to boost trans-Pacific capacity ahead of peak season with the launch of long-haul flights between Tokyo Narita and Chicago (ORD), which are expected to commence on Oct. 27.

Additionally, ANA has adjusted its passenger-carrying flights to include new destinations Perth (PER), Australia and Chennai, India (MAA), which the carrier said will address demand for transportation of mineral and natural resources ex-Perth and automobile manufacturing out of Chennai.

ANA Cargo is also reducing its NRT – PVG route from seven times per week to once a week and suspending its domestic Haneda (HND) – Saga (HSG) route for the time being.