Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed on as an official supplier to the 20th Asian Games, running September 19 through October 4, 2026, and the 5th Asian Para Games, taking place October 18 through 24, both set to be held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City, Japan.
Under the agreement with the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games Organizing Committee, JAL will serve as the official passenger air transport services provider for both events, helping to ensure safe and comfortable travel for competing athletes.
Kitaguchi, Kano among four JAL employees competing in Aichi-Nagoya
The partnership carries a personal dimension for the airline: four of JAL’s own athlete employees are scheduled to compete in the games.
Javelin thrower Haruka Kitaguchi, épée fencer Koki Kano, long jumper Ayaka Kora, and 110-meter hurdler Rachid Muratake will all represent Japan across athletics and fencing events.
JAL’s athlete employee program supports current and former competitive athletes who work for the airline while continuing to train and compete at international level.
The 20th Asian Games will feature 43 sports and athletes from 45 countries and regions across Asia. The 5th Asian Para Games will follow from October 18 through October 24, covering 18 sports with the same 45-country participation.
Both events will be centered in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City, in Japan’s Tokai region.
Partnership aims to boost Tokai region tourism alongside the games
Beyond transporting athletes and officials, JAL claims that the partnership is also about supporting the broader impact the games can have on the host region, including boosting local tourism and economic activity across the Tokai area during the competition period.
The airline, which has a long history of supporting international sporting events, said that it sees the games as an opportunity to connect athletes, fans, and communities across Asia through the shared experience of competition.