Four Airlines Sign Pact to Expand Japan-Europe Cargo
Lufthansa Cargo, SWISS WorldCargo, All Nippon Airways and Nippon Cargo Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cargo services between Japan and Europe.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Transportation
Four airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand cargo services between Japan and Europe. The carriers are assessing how their complementary route networks and cargo capabilities could be combined.
Why it matters
The agreement revives a cooperation that was suspended in September 2023 after restructuring of ANA Holdings' cargo business division. A successful integration of this scale is expected to reshape the logistics landscape between Europe and Japan.
The original Lufthansa Cargo and ANA cargo joint venture launched in 2014 with two carriers and was suspended in September 2023. The proposed arrangement would add SWISS WorldCargo and Nippon Cargo Airlines, bringing the number of participating carriers to four.
The players
Lufthansa Cargo
Lufthansa Cargo is the cargo division of German carrier Lufthansa, led by CEO Ashwin Bhat, and was a partner in the original cargo joint venture with ANA.
All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways is Japan's largest airline, operated under ANA Holdings, and its cargo business underwent restructuring that led to the 2023 suspension.
SWISS WorldCargo
SWISS WorldCargo is the cargo arm of Swiss International Air Lines, led by Alain Chisari, and is a Lufthansa Group carrier.
Nippon Cargo Airlines
Nippon Cargo Airlines is a Japanese dedicated cargo carrier led by President and CEO Hiroyuki Homma.
The details
Lufthansa Cargo, SWISS WorldCargo, All Nippon Airways and Nippon Cargo Airlines formalized their intention through a Memorandum of Understanding. The carriers are evaluating how their complementary route networks and cargo capabilities could be combined to serve customers between the two regions.
Timeline
2014: Lufthansa Cargo and ANA launched their cargo joint venture.
September 2023: The cargo joint venture cooperation was officially suspended.
November 6, 2026: The four carriers signed the Memorandum of Understanding.
Market Landscape
The agreement follows the 2014 launch of the Lufthansa Cargo and ANA joint venture, which was suspended in September 2023 after ANA restructured its cargo business. Adding SWISS WorldCargo and Nippon Cargo Airlines would broaden network reach on the Japan-Europe air cargo corridor.
Shippers moving goods between Japan and Europe could see expanded cargo capacity and route options if the joint venture proceeds. The source does not indicate any change to current rates or booking procedures.
The takeaway
Watch whether the four carriers formalize the joint venture, since a combined network could change how air cargo capacity is allocated between Japan and Europe. Shippers planning Japan-Europe freight should monitor announcements on route and capacity changes.
Further reading
Explore more Transportation coverage for context on how cargo networks are reshaping global logistics.
