Qatar, MASkargo and IAG Cargo complete trilateral shipment

Qatar Airways Cargo, MASkargo and IAG Cargo have completed a trial shipment transported across all three carriers, marking a key milestone ahead of the launch of their Global Cargo Joint Business later this year.

The shipment demonstrates how customers will benefit from the combined capabilities of the three airlines, allowing cargo to move across multiple carriers, hubs and regions through a coordinated global network.

The first trilateral shipment transported 11 tonnes of copper foil from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD), via Doha (DOH) and Dublin (DUB).

Copper foil is a key component in advanced electronics and electric vehicle battery production, supporting the global digital and energy transition. The shipment from Malaysia, a major electronics manufacturing hub, highlights the future Global Cargo Joint Business’s role in connecting production centres with global markets through an integrated network.

Announced in 2025, the Global Cargo Joint Business brings together three major cargo carriers to create an extensive global network. Once fully launched, it will connect customers to more than 400 destinations across six continents through a single network, offering greater flexibility, more routing options and faster access to global markets.

“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,” said Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo.

“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,” said Mark Jason Thomas, Chief Executive Officer at MASkargo.

Earlier this year, IAG Cargo was appointed as the ground handling agent for Qatar Airways Cargo in Dublin and Madrid, two strategic hubs for the Joint Business. Along with the introduction of MASkargo handling operations at London Heathrow last year, these developments have supported the operational integration needed to launch the Joint Business.

“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,” said David Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer at IAG Cargo.

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 already book shipments through any of the carriers’ online booking platforms.