At Air Cargo Europe in Munich, Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo reaffirmed their intention to launch a Global Cargo Joint Business, with a formal rollout planned for late 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
The partnership promises expanded connectivity, routing flexibility, and optimized capacity across key markets including APAC, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Europe, and the Americas. Customers will gain access to new routes previously unavailable through single bookings, improving speed, reach, and efficiency.
As part of the integration, the carriers will progressively align systems, processes, and services—offering streamlined digital solutions and a joint loyalty program under the Avios banner. The collaboration aims to optimize both freighter and belly hold capacity across the combined network, while coordinated ground handling and trucking will further enhance service delivery.
Beyond commercial ambitions, the partners also announced a humanitarian initiative: each airline will sign individual agreements with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), committing a combined 1,000 tonnes of free cargo capacity to support global hunger relief efforts.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, described the joint business as a “groundbreaking partnership” that combines operational excellence with social impact. IAG Cargo CEO David Shepherd highlighted the joint network’s potential to unlock new commercial opportunities and emphasized the group’s shared commitment to humanitarian causes.
MASkargo CEO Mark Jason Thomas called the partnership “a major milestone” for global cargo logistics, enabling broader global reach and more efficient operations.
WFP’s Virginia Villar Arribas welcomed the initiative, stating it exemplifies the private sector’s growing role in accelerating humanitarian efforts.
More details will be shared as the late 2025 launch date approaches.
