Qatar Airways, IAG, and MASkargo to launch new joint cargo business soon
Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MAB Kargo Sdn Bhd (MASkargo) were a step closer to launching their Global Cargo Joint Business.
Initially announced in April this year, the partnership is now targeting a formal launch in late 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. This was announced by the three partners at a press conference held during the Air Cargo Europe in Munich.
New air cargo alliance
The global partnership combines the might of Qatar Airways Cargo; IAG Cargo, which was formed following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo; and the logistics arm of Malaysian Airline.
The Global Cargo Joint Business' promises to open fresh trade opportunities across the world. Its value proposition lies in enhanced routing flexibility and capacity options connecting APAC, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Europe, and the Americas. The partnership will unlock new routings, previously unavailable via a single booking. The parties will focus on key cargo markets, with additional countries expected to be included in future phases.
The three carriers will work to progressively align their systems, processes, and commercial offerings to ensure a smooth rollout for customers. Streamlined products, services, enhanced digital solutions and a combined Avios loyalty proposition are expected to form part of the collective offering in due course.
The carriers will look to optimise freighter and belly hold capacity across their combined networks, improving efficiency and flexibility for customers. Additionally, they will also have a coordinated ground handling and trucking system.
The three partners also announced they will soon enter into individual agreements with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the largest humanitarian organisation fighting hunger. They will propose to provide 1,000 tonnes total of free tonnage to support WFP in the delivery of essential food supplies and commodities.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, commented: 'We are thrilled to discuss the upcoming launch of our groundbreaking partnership. Together, we will deliver unparalleled service and efficiency, ensuring that our customers receive the very best in air cargo solutions.
'Moreover, this collaboration allows us to contribute meaningfully to corporate social responsibility by supporting the World Food Programme. Together, we are utilising our strong networks to make a positive impact on communities around the world, showcasing the true power of partnership.'
David Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer at IAG Cargo, added: 'This proposed joint business represents a real step change for our customers. By creating this single network, we are creating new connections that unlock new commercial opportunities. This network will be more efficient, reliable, and coordinated than anything offered through traditional interline agreements.'
Mark Jason Thomas, Chief Executive Officer at MASkargo, said: 'This partnership is a major milestone for MASkargo and the global cargo industry. By teaming up with Qatar Airways Cargo and IAG Cargo, we're extending our reach and unlocking seamless connectivity across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
'It's more than network expansion; it's about transforming how cargo moves worldwide. As the leading cargo carrier in our region, MASkargo has always been committed to connecting Asia with the world. This collaboration takes us further, delivering greater value, reach, and efficiency for our customers.'
Virginia Villar Arribas, WFP's Deputy Director for Private Sector Partnerships, thanked the partners and added: 'This collaboration reflects the growing role of the private sector in accelerating humanitarian response. We are excited to work with Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo to shape an approach that can help WFP deliver faster, more efficiently, and at scale.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Qatar's economic diversification spurs influx of high-tech, sustainability
Doha - Qatar's ambitious push toward economic diversification under its National Vision 2030 is rapidly transforming the country into a magnet for global consulting firms specialising in technology, sustainability, and governance. As the nation accelerates its investments in digital infrastructure, ESG compliance, and private sector development, a new wave of consulting expertise is entering the market bringing with it cutting-edge AI platforms, deep sectoral knowledge, and a strong focus on building local talent and institutional capacity, an official explains. This growing influx signals both confidence in Qatar's reform agenda and the rising demand for agile, innovation-driven advisory support across sectors. Global consulting firms continue to play a key role by placing Qatar at the center of its ambitious plan to scale revenues from $24m to $100m in just two years. Speaking to The Peninsula, Jamil Khatri, Co-Founder and CEO of Uniqus Consulting said 'We are already on track for revenues of $50m this year. Qatar is critical to our $100m roadmap. We bring a highly differentiated approach — from deep expertise and global integration to a proprietary tech stack that sets us apart in the consulting landscape.' The official underlines that there is a strong synergy with Qatar's ambitious development goals, particularly as the nation advances its strategy toward economic diversification, digital transformation, and global competitiveness. 'Qatar's Vision 2030 outlines a bold digital and economic transformation agenda, and believe it is well-positioned to contribute through our proprietary tech platforms, AI investments, ESG capabilities, and global expertise around risk management, he said. 'The Qatari vision of being in the top echelons of the business environment and digital competitiveness aligns well with our service offerings, Khatri said. To ensure cultural relevance and impactful execution, companies are leaning on local partnerships and targeted talent strategies. A key example is its collaboration with the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) in the field of sustainability and ESG — a partnership the firm aims to deepen through its Qatar operations. 'We have already identified a local leader with a deep understanding of the market, to lead our operations in Qatar,' Khatri noted. 'We're committed to recruiting and nurturing local talent while leveraging Uniqus' global skills to build awareness and capability in the Qatari market.' 'The GCC is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by diversification, infrastructure, digital reform, and governance. Qatar, in particular, stands out as a beacon of this shift. As companies in the region move forward on this journey, the demand for agile, tech-enabled consulting will only intensify and that is a significant growth driver, he added. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
KAHL and Lift Cargo partner to improve efficiencies in Cool Chain Management
Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya Airfreight Handling Limited (KAHL), a leader in temperature-controlled logistics, renowned for its expertise in the field, has today announced a partnership with Lift Cargo Limited, a prominent home-grown player in the perishables supply chain sector, known for its innovative solutions and client-centric approach. This partnership aims to revolutionize the global distribution of perishable goods and ensure that fresh produce reaches consumers in optimal condition. Speaking in Nairobi, Kenya, the KAHL Acting General Manager, Peter Musola, said, "The partnership will leverage KAHL's state-of-the-art cool chain facilities alongside Lift Cargo's extensive client base. Together, we will create a seamless cool chain that minimizes spoilage, reduces waste, and enhances the overall quality of perishable goods, elevating product freshness for our customers." The horticulture sector is one of the largest contributors to Kenya's economy, generating approximately Ksh157 billion ($1.29 billion) in annual export earnings, according to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA). Flowers alone account for more than 70% of these exports, with Europe serving as the primary market. "Kenya's horticultural sector is one of the most vital components of our economy, and we are committed to supporting it through innovative logistics solutions," added Mr Musola. Mr. Silas Kashindi, Managing Director of Lift Cargo Limited, on the other hand, said, "We are thrilled to partner with KAHL. This partnership with KAHL will not only improve the efficiency of our supply chain but also empower local growers by providing them with better access to markets and enhanced value for their products." Both companies are deeply committed to continuous improvement and innovation in the perishable goods supply chain. This commitment ensures that consumers receive the freshest products possible and paves the way for exciting advancements in the industry. This milestone reflects KAHL's vision to be East Africa's leading fresh cargo handling facility, continuing to deliver world-class service with speed, traceability, and care. About KAHL KAHL is a company incorporated and registered in Kenya whose registered office is at Freight Terminal 1, JKIA Nairobi (The Company), owned in a joint venture by Kenya Airways PLC and Stamina Group B.V. and operating under the trade name Triple FFF. About Lift Cargo Limited. Lift Cargo Limited is a freight forwarder incorporated in Kenya, with a primary focus on consolidating smallholder growers to secure volume and enhance market access for Kenyan Horticultural produce in global markets.
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Global energy investments to hit record $3.3tn in 2025, despite uncertainty and geopolitical tensions
Investments in the global energy sector are set to hit a record $3.3 trillion in 2025 despite economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions, the International Energy Agency said. A total of $2.2 trillion will be invested in renewables, nuclear energy, grids, storage, low-emissions fuels, efficiency and electrification, with $1.1 trillion to go into oil, natural gas and coal, the Paris-based IEA said in its World Energy Investment 2025 report on Thursday. The total is up about 2 per cent in real terms compared with 2024. "Open questions about the economic and trade outlook means that some investors are adopting a wait-and-see approach to new project approvals, but we have yet to see significant implications for spending on existing projects," it said. Part of the growth is fuelled by rapidly rising requirements for artificial intelligence-powered data centres around the world. Spending in the electricity industry, the main power source for data centres, is set to reach $1.5 trillion this year, the IEA said. "Rapid growth in spending on energy transitions over the past five years was kicked off by post-pandemic recovery packages and then sustained by a variety of economic, technology, industrial and energy security considerations, not only by climate policies," the agency added. The increased activity will be complemented by the doubling of investments into low-emissions power generation, the IEA said. Spending in the solar industry, in particular, is projected to hit $450 billion in 2025, making it the largest single item in the IEA's inventory of global investments, the report said. "Fierce competition among suppliers and ultra-low costs are seeing imported solar panels, often paired with batteries, become an important driver of energy investment in many emerging and developing economies," it added. Conversely, upstream oil investments are projected to be under $570 billion in 2025. That would be a 6 per cent decline, marking the first annual drop since the Covid-induced slide in 2020 and the largest since 2016, the IEA said. Global refinery investment is set to hit its lowest level in a decade. The decrease is being attributed to lower oil prices and demand expectations, amid economic uncertainties. Opec+, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, has sought to prop up the market with last week's announcement of a third straight month of output increases in July. "Our initial expectation for 2025, based on company announcements, was that upstream oil and gas spending would be flat, but sentiment has since become more downbeat as oil prices came under pressure," the report said. Despite the expected record spending this year, the industry is still adopting a wait-and-see approach on new energy project approvals. The IEA acknowledged it has yet to identify "significant implications for spending on existing projects", executive director Fatih Birol said. Global tariffs, initiated by the administration of US President Donald Trump, would also be felt in America's oil and gas industry, as higher levies on imported steel and aluminium may put cost pressures on the sector, the IEA said. "Tariffs and inflation are affecting production costs – especially for basic materials," the report said. Experts have said that countries should realign their strategies to attain energy independence, which will help them cope with future uncertainties. "Today's energy decision makers are facing new geopolitical tensions and the risk of energy shocks remains high," the IEA said. Geographical shift Additionally, the shifting of energy investment along geographical lines is expected to have long-term implications, the report found. China remains the biggest global energy investor by a wide margin. Its share of global clean energy investment has risen from a quarter a decade ago to nearly a third at present, the IEA said. On the other hand, the US ha seen its spending on renewables and low-emissions fuels almost double in the past 10 years, but that is now expected to level off as Washington pulls back on policies that support the clean energy sector to promote the fossil fuel industry. The Middle East, meanwhile, continues to spend heavily on upstream oil and gas, with the region's share of global upstream investment set to hit a record 20 per cent this year, the IEA said. A large portion of this spending is to be used to expand projects for natural gas, including the Jafurah field in Saudi Arabia, the liquefied natural gasfields of Rub Al Khali in the UAE and the North Field developments in Qatar, it added.
