Qatar Airways Cargo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan Airlines to strengthen their partnership and enhance their product offerings to cargo customers.

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, Mark Drusch, and Japan Airlines Senior Vice President, Head of Cargo and Mail, Yuichiro Kito. Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, was also present.

Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo said: “This MoU symbolises a commitment to a deeper partnership, aiming to integrate both networks via the hubs in Doha and Tokyo.

“This accomplishment reflects two key milestones. First, we’ve established a full partnership with JAL as one of our One World partners. Second, it aligns with our overarching strategy to expand our network far beyond our own flights. Our goal is to remain the largest independent entity of flying freight. Throughout our partnership networks, we’re even bigger and we offer customers much broader reach.

“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.”

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 optimising 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.

“Our strategy is to offer our customers a broad network and diverse services to cater to various product types. In a market like Japan, outbound exports encompass seafood, pharmaceuticals, industrial goods and many other products, reflecting its strong and vibrant economy. With the recent movements in the currency market, we expect exports to gain even more momentum. At the same time, inbound trade to Japan is equally significant,” Drusch continued

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 tonnes 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.

“Our approach focuses not only on leveraging the Asian market as a whole but also on tapping into specific opportunities within key regions. For example, JAL has a strong footprint in mainland China, which complements our own network, so through this partnership we gain valuable access to markets,” Drusch added.

“At the same time, we’re enhancing access to the Japanese market. It’s important to remember that Japan, along with other parts of the Asia Pacific region, represents significant growth markets.

“This partnership with one of Japan’s largest carriers allows us to combine our networks, offering customers better access to the diverse and high-potential Japanese market. It’s a win-win, leveraging both networks to meet the demands of this dynamic region.”