Qatar, IAG, and Malaysian Airlines target Late⁢ 2025 Launch for Global Cargo Joint Business

⁤ Updated june 8, 2025

Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo,⁣ and MAB Kargo Sdn Bhd (MASkargo) are moving closer to launching their Global Cargo Joint Business, initially announced in april. The ⁣partnership, designed⁢ to boost air cargo solutions, is targeting a late 2025 launch, pending ⁢regulatory approvals.

The announcement ⁤occurred at‍ a ⁣press conference⁢ during the Air Cargo Europe event in Munich.⁢ The global partnership combines Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo (formed ⁤from British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo), and the logistics arm of Malaysian airline.

The Global Cargo Joint⁣ Business aims to create new trade opportunities by enhancing routing flexibility and capacity options across APAC, the Middle⁤ East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent,⁢ Europe, and‍ the Americas. This collaboration will unlock⁤ previously unavailable routings via a single booking, focusing on⁣ key cargo markets with plans for future expansion.

The carriers will align systems, processes, and commercial offerings for a smooth customer rollout, including streamlined products, services, enhanced ⁢digital solutions, ⁤and a combined Avios loyalty program. Thay‍ also plan to optimize freighter and belly hold capacity across their networks and coordinate ground handling and trucking systems.

In addition, the⁢ three partners will enter ⁣individual agreements with the UN World Food Program (WFP), offering‍ a total of 1,000 tonnes of free tonnage to⁢ support the delivery of essential ⁤food supplies and commodities. This global cargo venture seeks to improve air cargo solutions and expand trade opportunities.

Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said the partnership will⁤ deliver ⁤”unparalleled service ‍and efficiency,” ensuring customers receive the best ⁤in air cargo solutions. He added that the collaboration allows them to contribute to corporate social duty by supporting the World Food Programme.

David Shepherd, chief executive officer at IAG Cargo,⁢ said the proposed joint business represents a “real step‍ change” for customers, creating new connections and commercial opportunities through a more efficient, reliable, and coordinated network.

Mark Jason Thomas,chief executive⁢ officer⁢ at MASkargo,said ⁣the ⁢partnership is a ⁣”major milestone” for MASkargo and the global cargo industry,extending their reach and unlocking seamless connectivity across Asia,the Middle ⁢East,Europe,and the Americas.

Virginia Villar Arribas, WFP’s deputy director for private sector partnerships, thanked the ‍partners, noting the growing role of the private sector in accelerating humanitarian ‍response. She expressed excitement to work with the airlines⁤ to shape an approach that can ⁣help WFP deliver faster ⁢and more efficiently.

What’s next

The airlines will continue working toward regulatory approval and finalizing their ‍integrated‍ systems to ensure a seamless launch of the Global Cargo Joint Business in late 2025.