Qatar Airways Cargo and Japan Airlines’ cargo division (JALCARGO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their air cargo partnership with the goal of integrating their networks and improving service offerings for customers.
The airlines, which already have a long-standing relationship as oneworld partners, are focused on streamlining the transfer of cargo between their individual operations, ensuring a more efficient process for customers.
They also plan to “extend their cooperation into various fields”, said Qatar Airways Cargo, although the airline did not elaborate further on what initiatives may be undertaken.
This cargo MoU follows Japan Airlines’ launch earlier this year of daily passenger operations linking Tokyo Haneda Airport in Japan with Qatar Airways Cargo’s hub, Hamad International Airport.
The new cargo partnership will be given a major boost next year, when Qatar Airways Cargo will begin freighter services between Hamad International and Japan Airlines’ hub at Tokyo Narita Airport.
Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “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.”
Yuichiro Kito, senior vice president, head of cargo and mail at Japan Airlines, added: “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 is also expected to enhance 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 tonnes of import and export cargo in Japan.
Japan Airlines announced in May 2023 that it would return to the freighter market after an absence of 13 years as it looked to capitalise on growing air cargo demand and a shortage of truck drivers. The airline launched freighter operations this year using 767-300 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft, with operations supported by a contract with DHL Express to utilise the freighters.
Earlier this week, Qatar Airways Cargo and Cainiao announced a new partnership to capitalise on the growth of e-commerce.
Cainiao and Qatar Cargo deepen partnership covering e-commerce