Tokyo November 18: Beaujolais Nouveau corks were popping all over Japan today as the nation’s wine lovers celebrated the arrival in the country of almost 13,000 tons of the new wine, a record amount. Today (November 18) is the global release day for the new wine of 2004.

In the past week Japan Airlines flew in a record 1,400 tons (152% more than last year) from four European airports on 747 freighters and as belly cargo on passenger aircraft. JAL’s recently delivered 747-400F was involved in the exercise, making three extra section flights.

‘WOW’ cargo alliance partners Singapore Airlines Cargo and Lufthansa Cargo also played a part in the logistics bringing the Beaujolais to Japan. Singapore Airlines Cargo flew shipments of the new wine to New York where JAL picked it up and flew it to Narita and Lufthansa Cargo flew a shipment to Hong Kong where it was transferred to JAL for delivery to Kansai International Airport, Osaka.