Qatar Airways Cargo and Japan Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will allow the two carriers to provide an enhanced product offering to their respective cargo customers.
Qatar Airways Cargo and Japan Airlines’ freighter division, JALCARGO, will look to streamline the transfer of cargo between the two carriers and optimize their networks to work more seamlessly.
The partnership is expected to generate significant added economic value by enhancing trade flows between the regions served by Japan Airlines and those served by Qatar Airways Cargo.
Over the past 12 months, both carriers have transacted 4,462 tons of import and export cargo in Japan, highlighting the substantial impact of their collaboration.
Speaking on December 4, 2024, Qatar Airways Cargo Chief Officer Cargo, Mark Drusch declared: “This MoU symbolises a commitment to a deeper partnership, aiming to integrate both networks via the hubs in Doha and Tokyo. This will enhance network connectivity and product offerings for customers, linking Japan to Qatar Airways’ extensive network in Europe, the Middle East, the Levant, and Africa, and vice versa. Customers will benefit from improved connectivity and access to a wider range of destinations.”
Earlier this year, after a 13-year hiatus, Japan Airlines re-introduced a dedicated cargo service using a Boeing 767-300ER freighter.
Japan Airlines Executive Officer, Senior Vice President and Head of Cargo & Mail, Yuichiro Kitof, said: “This agreement further strengthens the long-standing partnership between JAL and Qatar Airways Cargo. For the first time in 13 years, we have commenced the operation of our own freighters. Through this agreement, JALCARGO will leverage JAL’s passenger flights, freighter network, and the newly expanded Qatar Airways network to deliver customers’ cargo to an even broader range of destinations than ever before.”
The partnership will be further enhanced next year, when Qatar Airways Cargo will begin freighter services between its hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar and Japan Airlines hub at Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT).