IATA AWB Prefix
131
Japan Airlines logo
Belongs to
Japan Airlines
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Prefix 131
Assigned To Japan Airlines
Country Japan
IATA / ICAO JL / JAL
Prefix Range 100–199

What is AWB Prefix 131?

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.

Prefix 131 — Quick Reference
Prefix Number131
IATA CodeJL
ICAO CodeJAL
CountryJapan
HubTokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
AWB Format131-XXXXXXXX
Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network
Transit Time1–3 days
Official SiteVisit

How to Read an AWB Starting with 131

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
Airline Prefix
→ Japan Airlines
-
12345678
Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

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.

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AWB Prefixes Near 131

Not sure you have the right prefix? Browse nearby IATA AWB prefixes to find the correct airline for your air waybill.

Prefix Airline Country IATA Track
127 Brazil GG View
129 Netherlands MP View
130 Moldova, Republic of 5F View
131 You are here
Japan Airlines Japan Airlines
Japan JL Track
133 Costa Rica LR View
134 Colombia AV View
135 French Polynesia VT View
136 Cuba CU View

All AWB Prefix Ranges

IATA assigns AWB prefixes across the full 000–999 range. Browse all prefixes by range to find any airline.

← See the full AWB prefix index (all 440+ airlines)

Frequently Asked Questions about AWB Prefix 131

What airline has AWB prefix 131? +
AWB prefix 131 belongs to Japan Airlines (IATA code 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.
How do I track an AWB starting with 131? +
Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 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.
What does AWB prefix 131 mean? +
In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 131 is exclusively assigned to Japan Airlines. The remaining eight digits (after the hyphen) are the unique shipment serial number assigned to your individual cargo. The two parts together form a globally unique shipment identifier: 131-XXXXXXXX.
How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix? +
An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (ranging from 000 to 999). It forms the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the standard format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 131 identifies Japan Airlines. IATA maintains a registry of all assigned prefixes and each is unique to one airline.
What is the difference between a Master AWB and a House AWB? +
A Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued by the airline — in this case Japan Airlines — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 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.
Is 131 the only AWB prefix for Japan Airlines? +
Yes. 131 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Japan Airlines. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 131, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 131, it is guaranteed to be a Japan Airlines shipment.
What if my 131 AWB shows no tracking status? +
Tracking status for a 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.

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