IAG Cargo, MASkargo and Qatar Airways Cargo have completed the first customer shipment transported across all three carriers as they prepare for the launch of their Global Cargo Joint Business later this year.
The trial saw 11 tonnes of copper foil transported from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport via Doha and Dublin.
The shipment was designed to demonstrate how cargo can move across the three carriers, their hubs and different regions through a coordinated network ahead of the partnership's full launch.
Copper foil is a key component in advanced electronics and electric vehicle battery production, with the carriers saying the shipment demonstrated the potential for the joint business to connect manufacturing centres in Asia with global demand markets.
Announced in 2025, the Global Cargo Joint Business will combine the networks of IAG Cargo, MASkargo and Qatar Airways Cargo, giving customers access to more than 400 destinations across six continents.
The carriers expect the partnership to provide customers with greater routing flexibility and access to their combined networks.
David Shepherd, chief executive at IAG Cargo, said: “Completing our first trilateral customer shipment is a significant milestone as we continue preparations for the launch of the Global Cargo Joint Business, which will redefine international air cargo.
“Alongside our partners, we have been aligning our operations, systems and expertise to create a Joint Business that works seamlessly across our combined networks. As we progress towards full launch, our focus remains on delivering a coordinated proposition that provides tangible benefits for customers across the global air freight market.”
Mark Jason Thomas, chief executive at MASkargo, said: “This milestone brings the ambition behind our partnership into focus: connecting businesses to greater opportunities through the collective strengths of three leading cargo carriers.
“For MASkargo, seeing this first shipment move from Malaysia across our partners’ networks demonstrates the potential of this collaboration to strengthen the link between Asia’s production centres and global demand. As we progress towards launch, our shared focus is on translating that potential into wider market access, greater flexibility and enduring value for our customers.”
Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “The successful transport of this tripartite shipment showcased the operational alignment, connectivity and customer-focused approach that will underpin the Joint Business.
“For our customers, this is about creating a simpler, more connected experience and demonstrates the strength of our collaboration. By combining our complementary networks and expertise, we are building a truly global cargo offering that delivers greater reach, more routing flexibility and enhanced efficiency.”
The trial follows several steps towards integrating the carriers' operations.
Earlier this year, IAG Cargo was appointed ground handling agent for Qatar Airways Cargo in Dublin and Madrid, while MASkargo introduced handling operations at London Heathrow last year.
The three carriers will continue operational trials and integration work ahead of the planned launch of the Global Cargo Joint Business later this year.
