Qatar Airways, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo Unite to Revolutionize Global Air Freight
In an exciting development that promises to reshape the global air cargo industry, Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo have announced a strategic partnership designed to increase connectivity, improve operational efficiency, and offer innovative service solutions across their combined networks. This collaboration, which was officially launched on April 22, 2025, is expected to have a profound impact on global trade, offering a seamless and integrated air freight network that delivers unmatched access to critical markets worldwide.
A Unified Global Cargo Network
The strategic alliance between these three industry leaders marks a transformative milestone in the world of air freight. By joining forces, Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo aim to create a more efficient, scalable, and reliable global air freight network. This joint venture will not only improve connectivity but will also expand the airlines’ combined reach, offering customers access to more destinations and providing better solutions to meet the growing demand for fast, reliable cargo services.
The new network promises to streamline operations and introduce a higher level of integration between the three carriers. This will help create a seamless experience for customers across multiple touchpoints, ensuring that their freight reaches its destination on time and with the level of service expected from global leaders in air cargo.
Enhanced Connectivity and Capacity
Under the terms of the new partnership, Qatar Airways Cargo will introduce twice-weekly Boeing 777 freighter flights between Doha and Kuala Lumpur. This addition is expected to increase the weekly cargo capacity by more than 200 tonnes, enhancing Qatar Airways Cargo’s ability to meet the growing demand for both consumer goods and industrial products in the region. In turn, MASkargo will complement this capacity expansion by deploying Airbus A330 freighters on the high-demand routes to Sydney and Melbourne. These freighters will add more than 75 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to these routes, making the collaboration a perfect blend of scale and efficiency.
Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) will become the two central hubs for this new venture, acting as crucial logistical points for cargo movement between the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. The partnership will also incorporate state-of-the-art cargo handling and storage facilities, ensuring that all shipments are managed with the highest level of care and attention.
This partnership is a game-changer in terms of both connectivity and capacity, offering customers an expanded network that spans key markets in Asia, Europe, and beyond. The increased frequency of flights between major international hubs, along with the optimized handling of freight, promises to significantly enhance the global movement of goods.
Expanding Global Reach and Evolving Market Demands
One of the most critical aspects of this partnership is its ability to address the evolving needs of global trade. As the world continues to recover from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for air cargo services has seen a sharp increase. Global supply chains are becoming more complex, and businesses are seeking new ways to optimize their logistics. This collaboration will allow the three companies to offer more flexible and diverse solutions to meet these demands.
With the combined networks of Qatar Airways, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo, customers will now have direct access to more than 100 global destinations. This expanded network will not only facilitate smoother movement of goods but will also provide opportunities for businesses to reach new markets, further strengthening their global supply chains.
The strategic integration of the partners’ resources, from flights to state-of-the-art cargo management technologies, promises to enhance not only operational efficiency but also reliability. With so many players involved in global trade, companies are increasingly looking for dependable logistics partners. The Qatar Airways-IAG Cargo-MASkargo collaboration is built to offer this reliability and efficiency, making it easier for businesses to manage their shipments with confidence.
Commitment to Excellence
Leaders from each of the three partner companies have expressed their strong commitment to the success of this venture and the ongoing improvement of the air cargo industry.
Mark Drusch, the Chief Officer of Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, underscored the importance of the partnership, stating, “Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to redefine the global air cargo landscape. This agreement brings together three strong players, offering unparalleled service, global connectivity, and operational excellence. By joining forces, we are able to provide a level of service that sets a new standard in the industry.”
David Shepherd, CEO of IAG Cargo, echoed this sentiment and highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating better opportunities for both customers and the businesses that rely on air freight. He remarked, “This partnership unlocks new possibilities for our customers, enabling them to grow and expand their reach. The combined strength of these three carriers will provide a level of service and connectivity that is unmatched in the air cargo industry.”
Mark Jason Thomas, CEO of MASkargo, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for MASkargo and the air cargo industry as a whole. We are excited to work alongside Qatar Airways Cargo and IAG Cargo to offer innovative solutions and drive greater value for our customers. Together, we will create new opportunities for the air freight market.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Global Air Cargo
As the partnership moves forward, all three companies are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of their plans. However, the collaboration is still subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals, which will be a crucial step in the process. Once fully operational, the alliance will set new industry standards for cargo transportation, offering enhanced services and expanded global reach.
The collaboration’s future is bright. The three companies are expected to continue working together to enhance service offerings and explore new ways to meet the evolving demands of global trade. This partnership signals a new era for air freight, one that promises to bring about more advanced and effective logistics solutions.
About the Partners
Qatar Airways Cargo: Qatar Airways Cargo is recognized as one of the world’s leading international air cargo carriers, providing air freight services to more than 60 freighter destinations and 170 passenger destinations. With a fleet of 28 Boeing 777 freighters and 230 belly-hold planes, Qatar Airways Cargo is renowned for its exceptional service and commitment to sustainability. The carrier is constantly innovating its products and services to stay ahead in a fast-evolving market.
IAG Cargo: IAG Cargo is the air freight division of International Airlines Group (IAG), which includes British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, among others. With a strong focus on delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions, IAG Cargo serves a wide range of industries and businesses across its network. The company continues to set industry benchmarks for reliability and operational efficiency.
MASkargo: As a subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group, MASkargo operates a dedicated fleet of freighters and utilizes the belly-hold capacity of its parent airline to provide cargo services across nearly 100 destinations worldwide. Headquartered at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, MASkargo is a leader in halal logistics and operates the world’s first Halal-Certified Cargo Terminal, certified by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
Conclusion
This new strategic partnership between Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo marks an exciting chapter for the air cargo industry. By leveraging the strengths and expertise of each company, the alliance aims to provide customers with faster, more reliable, and more flexible solutions for their air freight needs. With the combined network, enhanced capacity, and commitment to innovation, the future of global air cargo looks brighter than ever.
For more information click here
