The MoU built on the past alliance between Lufthansa Cargo and All Nippon Airways provides a framework for the four carriers to assess potential areas of collaboration and evaluate how their complementary networks and capabilities could create additional value for customers.
Lufthansa Cargo and All Nippon Airways have a long-standing history of cooperation. In 2014, the two companies established a cargo joint venture covering the Japan-Europe market. Following restructuring activities within ANA Holdings’ cargo business, the cooperation was suspended in September 2023. Building on the foundation established by the two companies to date, Lufthansa Cargo and All Nippon Airways are entering a new phase of dialogue to explore the potential resumption of their cargo joint venture, including SWISS WorldCargo and Nippon Cargo Airlines.
Joining forces for greater connectivity
The four carriers will assess opportunities to create added value for customers with greater network connectivity between Japan and Europe, additional routing and capacity options, as well as enhanced flexibility and service choices.
“Japan is an important market for Lufthansa Cargo, and our long-standing relationship with All Nippon Airways has enabled us to serve customers reliably for many years. Together with SWISS WorldCargo and Nippon Cargo Airlines, we now want to explore how we can leverage our respective brand strengths, networks and expertise to create even greater value for our customers. By offering even more options and flexibility between Japan and Europe, we are further delivering on our mission of Enabling Global Business,” says Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo.
“Europe and Japan are both key markets for customers that rely on trustworthy, high-quality air cargo services for care-intensive and time-critical shipments. Bringing together our strong European network and specialized cargo expertise with the capabilities of our partners could provide customers with an even broader range of transport solutions,” says Alain Chisari, Head of SWISS WorldCargo.
“All Nippon Airways and Lufthansa Cargo have built a strong foundation over many years. We are pleased to renew our dialogue and broaden our cargo joint venture to include SWISS WorldCargo and Nippon Cargo Airlines. By bringing together the individual strengths of all four carriers, we aim to respond even more effectively to the diverse logistics needs of customers in Japan and Europe,” says Kenichi Wakiya, Executive Vice President, Cargo Marketing & Services, All Nippon Airways & CEO, ANA Cargo.
“Nippon Cargo Airlines leverages extensive experience in dedicated freighter operations and a strong presence in the Japan-Europe cargo market as we join forces with our partners. We are fully committed to complementing the networks, aiming to provide customers with expanded capacity and flexible routing solutions,” says Hiroyuki Homma, President & Chief Executive Officer, Nippon Cargo Airlines.
About SWISS WorldCargo
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is Switzerland’s leading air carrier. With one of Europe’s most advanced aircraft fleets, SWISS is a premium airline that provides direct flights from Zurich and Geneva to keep Switzerland connected with Europe and the world. Its SWISS WorldCargo division offers an extensive range of airport-to-airport airfreight services for high-value, time-critical and care-intensive consignments. SWISS embodies Switzerland’s traditional values and is dedicated to delivering the highest product and service quality. The company also helps drive the decarbonization of the airline sector by modernizing its aircraft fleet, using sustainable aviation fuels and bringing even greater efficiency to its operational processes. SWISS is part of the Lufthansa Group, and is also a member of Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline network.
For more information about SWISS WorldCargo and its products and services, please check out our Service Guide for Winter 2026/27 here.