AWB prefix 131 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Japan Airlines (JL), based in Japan. Every air waybill issued by Japan Airlines begins with the digits 131, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 131-XXXXXXXX.
When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 131, you can be certain it was issued by Japan Airlines or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Japan Airlines operates as a Scheduled Cargo & Passenger Network, with its primary hub at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). Typical air transit times range from 1 to 3 business days depending on origin and destination.
The IATA prefix system assigns a unique 3-digit code to every member airline, ensuring there is no ambiguity in airway bill identification across the global air freight network. Prefix 131 is exclusively reserved for Japan Airlines and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Japan Airlines's official tracking portal instantly.
The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (131) tell you instantly which airline issued it.
131 always identifies Japan Airlines as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 131-12345678 is a complete, valid Japan Airlines airway bill.
Have a different AWB prefix? Enter any 3-digit IATA prefix below to identify the airline and get instant tracking.
Type the first 3 digits of your airway bill number
Not sure you have the right prefix? Browse nearby IATA AWB prefixes to find the correct airline for your air waybill.
JL,
ICAO code JAL), based in Japan.
All air waybills with this prefix follow the format
131-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Japan Airlines
or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.
131-XXXXXXXX —
into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB
identifies prefix 131 as Japan Airlines and opens their official
cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.
131-XXXXXXXX.
XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 131
identifies Japan Airlines. IATA maintains a registry
of all assigned prefixes and each is unique to one airline.
131.
A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the freight
forwarder to the individual shipper and uses the forwarder's own
numbering system. For tracking on Japan Airlines's official portal,
you need the MAWB starting with 131-. If you only
have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.
131, so whenever you see an airway bill starting
with 131, it is guaranteed to be a Japan Airlines shipment.
131 AWB may not appear
immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has
been physically accepted at a Japan Airlines cargo terminal and the
AWB has been activated in their system. This typically takes
2–8 hours after acceptance. If your AWB still shows
no status after 12 hours, contact Japan Airlines cargo customer
service or your freight forwarder directly.
Enter your Japan Airlines AWB above — or browse all 440+ airline prefixes
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