Airline trio takes final step towards launch of joint cargo business

The cargo divisions of Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines and IAG Group, parent company of British Airways, are preparing to commercially launch their joint cargo venture in the coming weeks after a year’s delay.

Qatar Airways Cargo, MASkargo and IAG Cargo have successfully completed the first trial shipment transported across all three carriers, the carriers announced last week.

The shipment provides an early demonstration of how customers will benefit from the combined strengths of the three airlines, with cargo moving in a coordinated fashion across multiple carriers, hubs and regions. The trilateral shipment involved 12.

1 tons of copper foil transported from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Chicago O’Hare International Airport via Qatar Airways’ hub in Doha and Dublin, Ireland. Copper foil is a key component for advanced electronics and electric vehicle battery production.

The three airlines announced their global cargo joint business in April 2025 as a way to leverage their collective capabilities and route networks. The partnership was originally scheduled to debut late last year. There are few other examples of successful full cargo partnerships that go beyond interline agreements.

Qatar Airways Cargo operates 30 Boeing 777 cargo jets and manages belly-hold capacity in the parent company’s 240 passenger aircraft. It is the largest cargo airline in the world by traffic, with the exception of the largest package express carriers. IAG Cargo is the overarching cargo arm of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and Level.

British Airways is ranked number 25 for cargo by the International Air Transport Association. MASkargo has a fleet of three Airbus A330-200 cargo jets and responsibility for belly capacity on passenger aircraft.

Why It Matters: The joint product offering aims to provide enhanced connectivity, faster transit times and new routing opportunities, giving customers access to more than 400 destinations a much greater shipping choice.

The cargo divisions also worked together to develop harmonized safety and security standards, and align operations and systems to ensure the joint business functions smoothly, executives said. “For our customers, this is about creating a simpler, more connected experience and demonstrates the strength of our collaboration.

By combining our complementary networks and expertise, we are building a truly global cargo offering that delivers greater reach, more routing flexibility and enhanced efficiency,” said Mark Drusch, chief cargo officer at Qatar Airways.

Earlier this year, IAG Cargo was appointed as the ground handling agent for Qatar Airways Cargo in Dublin and Madrid, two of the joint business’ strategic hubs. The companies said they will continue operational trails and integration activities before the joint business goes live.

Customers will be able to book shipments on any of the carriers’ online booking platforms. Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch. Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@freightwaves. com. RELATED STORIES: U. S.

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