Qatar Airways Cargo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan Airlines (JAL).
This MoU builds on a previously announced partnership between Qatar and JAL earlier this year when JAL launched daily flights connecting Tokyo’s Haneda Airport with Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, strengthening ties between the two nations.
Qatar Airways Cargo and the JAL’s Cargo division (JALCARGO) have now expanded their long-standing relationship as oneworld partners, with this latest agreement aiming to deliver an enhanced product offering to cargo customers and achieve operational synergies.
Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo commented: “This MoU symbolises a commitment to a deeper partnership, aiming to integrate both networks via the hubs in Doha and Tokyo.
“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,” he added.
Qatar Airways Cargo and JALCARGO will aim to streamline the transfer of cargo, with both parties looking to optimise their mutual networks and plan to extend their cooperation into various fields.
“This agreement further strengthens the long-standing partnership between JAL and Qatar Airways Cargo,” said Yuichiro Kito, senior vice president, head of cargo and mail at JAL.
“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.”
This partnership will be further enhanced next year, when Qatar Airways Cargo will begin freighter services between its hub at Hamad International Airport and JALs hub at Tokyo Narita airport.