A specialized freight plane took off from Narita Airport early in the morning on a recent day, adorned by the familiar black cat logo that can be found on delivery trucks across Japan. 

The flight in mid-April was made by the first aircraft put in place by leading parcel delivery operator Yamato Group.

Yamato Group leases three planes while budget carrier Spring Japan Co., a Japan Airlines Co. (JAL)’s affiliate, is commissioned to operate them. They fly between Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Shin-Chitose Airport, Kita-Kyushu Airport and Naha Airport.

“It is becoming increasingly common worldwide for delivery agencies to rely on transportation by planes at the same time,” explained Ryoichi Shimoyana, a representative of Yamato Transport Co., who is in charge of the air freight business.

Air transportation using cargo aircraft and drones is emerging into the spotlight to not only deliver goods quickly and effectively but also fill the dearth of truck drivers.

This comes as the land shipment capacity is feared to be adversely impacted by the tightened overtime regulations for drivers.

Yamato Group started considering utilizing aircraft in 2019 with the aim of catering to the increasing need for express delivery.

More recently, Yamato Group, like other delivery operators, is moving to secure more time for truck drivers to bring goods to their destinations, with overtime restrictions incorporated this fiscal year in mind. 

Not only is the growing demand from brisk online shopping sales driving the decision by Yamato Group, but the increase in the production of chip-linked items in the Kyushu region and Hokkaido is also accelerating the trend for air transport. 

As small, lightweight products marked by high values are suited for transportation by plane, Yamato Transport is planning to replace long-distance truck deliveries exceeding 900 kilometers with aerial deliveries. 

The aim is allowing truck drivers to concentrate exclusively on shorter routes.

A remaining challenge involves the hefty price tag for flights. 

All Nippon Airways Co. (ANA) has dramatically lowered daytime flight fares to win over more cargo transporters.

Starting in April, special prices are set for freight deliveries linking Haneda Airport with Shin-Chitose Airport, Osaka Airport in Itami, Hyogo Prefecture, and Fukuoka Airport.

Flight fees are currently one-10th the conventional rate for some routes, making them “comparable to truck” deliveries.

ANA is looking to take full advantage of formerly unused spaces below aircraft floors on daytime passenger flights. Cargoes were typically flown mostly at night and in early morning, and those storage holds frequently were not utilized during the day.

An estimate shows the fresh approach will enable ANA to ship an additional 1 million tons of goods annually.

Meanwhile, expectations are high for drones in depopulated areas. Their role is carrying small volumes of freight.

Aeronext Inc., a developer and manufacturer of delivery drones, has put its flying machines to work, so that a subsidiary can provide a packet transportation service for eight municipalities.

The offering was first made available in Kosuge village in Yamanashi Prefecture in 2021. Also covered under the program are Hokkaido’s Kami-Shihoro town and Tsuruga city in Fukui Prefecture.

Meals from restaurants, as well as medical supplies, newspapers and other items, reach users by drones.

Combining drones with trucks and light vans, a system to determine optimal delivery means and routes was developed jointly with such parties as major logistics firm Seino Holdings Co.

Aeronext has likewise embarked on an endeavor to nurture truck drivers as drone operators in some areas.

Toward the end of last year, the transport ministry introduced the Level 3.5 category for drone operations. Under the category, drones can be flown without dedicated assistants as long as certain conditions are met.

“The category applies above all else to hilly regions near mountains,” said a ministry representative. “But we are expecting that goods distribution by drones will spread further in urban areas as well at some point in the future.”