At Air Cargo Europe in Munich, IAG Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, and MASkargo confirmed plans to formally launch their Global Cargo Joint Business by late 2025, pending regulatory approvals. First announced in April, the strategic alliance is expected to transform international air freight operations through expanded network connectivity, increased routing flexibility, and streamlined customer service.

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The partnership aims to connect key cargo markets across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Americas, offering routing combinations not currently available through individual carriers. At launch, the focus will be on select trade lanes, with additional countries phased in as regulatory clearance is obtained.

Key integration efforts will include the alignment of booking systems, digital solutions, and commercial products, alongside the introduction of a joint loyalty offering based on the Avios rewards program. The collaboration will also optimize both freighter and belly hold capacity, improving operational efficiency across the partners’ combined networks. Unified ground handling and trucking are expected to further simplify the customer experience.

Beyond commercial gains, the alliance also announced a significant humanitarian initiative. Each airline will enter into individual agreements with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to provide a combined 1,000 tonnes of free cargo capacity to support global food aid. The move reflects the carriers’ joint commitment to social impact through logistics.

David Shepherd, CEO of IAG Cargo, called the partnership a “step change” for the industry: “This single network will unlock new trade opportunities and create a more efficient, coordinated cargo experience than traditional interline setups.”

Qatar Airways Cargo’s Chief Officer, Mark Drusch, emphasized both service enhancements and corporate responsibility: “Our collective networks and resources will deliver top-tier cargo solutions—and make a real difference through our support of the World Food Programme.”

MASkargo CEO Mark Jason Thomas added: “This is more than network expansion—it’s a shift in how cargo moves globally. We’re proud to be part of a partnership that increases efficiency and reach while contributing to humanitarian aid.”

WFP Deputy Director for Private Sector Partnerships, Virginia Villar Arribas, welcomed the collaboration: “This reflects the vital role the private sector plays in accelerating humanitarian response. We’re excited to work with these carriers to enhance our delivery capabilities at scale.”

With regulatory processes underway, the partners remain on track for a late 2025 launch and plan to share further updates as the go-live date approaches.