Qatar, IAG and MASkargo continue roll out of global partnership

Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo and MASkargo have completed the first customer shipment that covered all three networks in what the partners have described as a “key milestone” in the rollout of their joint business agreement later this year.

The successful first trilateral shipment saw 11 tonnes of copper foil – used for electronics and electric vehicle battery production – transported from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) via Doha (DOH) and Dublin (DUB).

“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,” the partners said in a press release.

“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,” the companies added.

The partnership was announced in 2025 and will offer more than 400 destinations worldwide through a single network.

The three carriers will continue operational trials and integration activities ahead of the planned launch later this year.

IAG Cargo chief executive David Shepherd 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.

“As we progress towards full launch, our focus remains on delivering a coordinated proposition that provides tangible benefits for customers across the global airfreight market.”

Mark Jason Thomas, chief executive at MASkargo, added: “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.”

Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways, highlighted: “For our customers, this is about creating a simpler, more connected experience and demonstrates the strength of our collaboration.”

The partnership recieved another boost earlier in the week when the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) approved the proposed ‘metal neutral’ cargo partnership.

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) said that the joint business agreement (JBA) is unlikely to eliminate competition on affected routes.

CCS also assessed that the Proposed JBA could generate market benefits such as a wider network and better cargo services that more than make up for the reduction in competition on those routes.

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.