Press Release
Qatar Airways Cargo and Japan Airlines Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Airline Cargo Partnership
(Joint Release)
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading air cargo carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan Airlines, a pioneer in Japanese aviation, to strengthen their partnership and enhance their product offerings to cargo customers.
Attendees at the signing ceremony (Left to Right)
Yuichiro Kito, Japan Airlines Senior Vice President, Head of Cargo and Mail
Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer
Mark Drusch, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Cargo
This follows the announcement earlier this year that Japan Airlines passenger services started daily operations linking Tokyo Haneda Airport in Japan with Hamad International Airport in Qatar. Qatar Airways Cargo and the Japan Airlines Cargo division (JALCARGO) have now expanded their long-standing relationship as oneworld partners by signing this MoU. The agreement aims to deliver an enhanced product offering to cargo customers and achieve operational synergies.
The MOU agreement was signed by Qatar Airways Cargo’s Chief Officer Cargo, Mr. Mark Drusch, and Japan Airlines Senior Vice President, Head of Cargo and Mail, Mr. Yuichiro Kito. Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, was also present.
Mr. Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo said: “This MoU symbolizes a commitment to a deeper partnership, aiming to integrate both networks via the hubs in Doha and Tokyo. This will enhance network connectivity and product offerings for customers, linking Japan to Qatar Airways’ extensive network in Europe, the Middle East, the Levant, and Africa, and vice versa. Customers will benefit from improved connectivity and access to a wider range of destinations.”
Mr. Yuichiro Kito, Senior Vice President, Head of Cargo and Mail at Japan Airlines added: “This agreement further strengthens the long-standing partnership between JAL and Qatar Airways Cargo. For the first time in 13 years, we have commenced the operation of our own freighters. Through this agreement, JALCARGO will leverage JAL's passenger flights, freighter network, and the newly expanded Qatar Airways network to deliver customers' cargo to an even broader range of destinations than ever before.”
Qatar Airways Cargo and JALCARGO are committed to streamlining the transfer of cargo between the two carriers, ensuring a more efficient process for customers. Both parties will enhance their collaboration by optimizing their mutual networks and plan to extend their cooperation into various fields. The partnership will be further enhanced next year, when Qatar Airways Cargo will begin freighter services between its hub at Hamad International Airport and Japan Airlines hub at Tokyo Narita airport.
The partnership is expected to generate significant economic value by enhancing trade flows between the regions served by Japan Airlines and those served by Qatar Airways Cargo. Over the past 12 months, both carriers have transacted 4,462 tons of import and export cargo in Japan, highlighting the substantial impact of their collaboration. The MoU and commitment to the partnership will see this figure grow in the coming years.
About Qatar Airways Cargo
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading international air cargo carrier is based in Doha, State of Qatar.
It serves a global network of more than 60 freighter destinations and 170 passenger destinations utilizing freighters and belly-hold passenger aircraft.
The airline’s freighter fleet includes 28 Boeing 777 freighters and 230 belly-hold planes. It also has an extensive road feeder service (RFS) network. The cargo airline is the launch customer for the innovative Boeing 777-8F featuring advanced technology, and a 25 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions, with the first delivery arriving in 2027.
As a market leader, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for the transportation of cargo, with considerable investments in digitalisation, products, facilities and services.
Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to sustainability and giving back to communities it serves through its sustainability program WeQare, built on the key pillars of sustainability: environment, society, economy, and culture.
About Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan’s first private aviation company, was established in 1951 and is a member of the oneworld® Alliance. The airline operates a fleet of 227 aircraft (as of March 2024) and began renewing its international long-haul aircraft with the Airbus A350-1000 starting 2023 Winter Schedule. Together with other JAL Group and partner airlines, JAL offers an extensive domestic and international network that serves 384 airports across 66 countries/regions. The airline has received numerous accolades for its exceptional service, including being recognized as a certified 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and being awarded the prestigious "World Class" Airline title by APEX, the Airline Passenger Experience Association. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide.
For details and to learn more, visit JAL official website and JALCARGO official website
