IAG Cargo, MASkargo and Qatar Airways Cargo have successfully completed the trial of the first customer shipment transported across all three carriers, marking a major milestone ahead of the full launch of their Global Cargo Joint Business later this year.
The shipment provides an early demonstration of how customers will benefit from the combined strengths of the three airlines, with cargo moving seamlessly across multiple carriers, hubs and regions through a coordinated global network.
As a critical component for advanced electronics and electric vehicle battery production, copper foil plays an important role in supporting global digital and energy transition initiatives. Shipped from Malaysia, a leading electronics manufacturing hub, this movement underscores the value of the future Global Cargo Joint Business in connecting production centres with global demand markets through a highly integrated network.
Announced in 2025, the Global Cargo Joint Business brings together three leading cargo carriers to create a network of unprecedented scale and reach. Once fully launched, customers will gain access to over 400 destinations across six continents through a single, highly connected network, benefiting from greater flexibility, expanded routing options and faster, more seamless access to global markets.
David Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer 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 Officer 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.”
Earlier this year, IAG Cargo was appointed as the ground handling agent for Qatar Airways Cargo in Dublin and Madrid, two of the Joint Business' strategic hubs. Alongside the introduction of MASkargo handling operations at London Heathrow last year, these developments have supported the operational integration required to deliver the Joint Business.
The three carriers will continue operational trials and integration activities ahead of the planned launch of the Global Cargo Joint Business later this year. Customers can book shipments on any of the carriers’ online booking platforms.
