Four carriers sign MoU to strengthen their share of Japan-Europe market

Lufthansa Cargo, Swiss WorldCargo, All Nippon Airways and Nippon Cargo Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore expanded cooperation in the air cargo market between Japan and Europe. 

The agreement creates a framework for the carriers to evaluate greater network connectivity, additional routes and capacity options as well as increased flexibility for customers, according to a Nov. 6 release published by ANA.  

The MoU builds on a partnership between Lufthansa Cargo and ANA from 2014 through 2023. It was suspended when ANA Holdings restructured its cargo business.  

The carriers said in the release that their complementary networks and capabilities could provide customers with expanded cargo options and improved access to capacity between the two regions. 

According to ANA’s route system, the airline has four domestic cargo routes with five flights per day, and 34 international cargo routes, with 548 flights per week. Lufthansa Cargo’s operational fleet of twelve 777Fs and four A321P2Fs is the largest of any scheduled combination carriers in Europe. Swiss WorldCargo are members of the Lufthansa Group but do not have any freighters of their own.  

The memorandum does not establish a finalized joint venture but provides a basis for the companies to assess opportunities for closer commercial cooperation moving forward. 

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