IAG Cargo, MASkargo and Qatar Airways Cargo have successfully completed their first customer shipment involving all three carriers, providing an early demonstration of the connectivity and operational cooperation planned under their Global Cargo Joint Business.
The 11-tonne shipment of copper foil travelled from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD), moving through the three airlines’ hubs in Doha (DOH) and Dublin (DUB) before reaching its final destination.
The successful trial represents an important step in preparations for the launch of the Global Cargo Joint Business, which was announced in 2025. The partnership is designed to bring together the complementary networks and cargo capabilities of IAG Cargo, MASkargo and Qatar Airways Cargo, creating a more integrated international freight offering for customers.
Copper foil is widely used in advanced electronics manufacturing and electric vehicle batteries. The shipment originating in Malaysia also illustrates the potential role of the partnership in linking important Asian manufacturing centres with major markets in Europe and North America.
Once operational, the Global Cargo Joint Business is expected to connect customers with more than 400 destinations across six continents through a combined network. The airlines say the partnership will provide customers with greater choice of routings, increased flexibility and more efficient access to international markets.
David Shepherd, Chief Executive of 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 of 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.”
