ANA Holdings is moving ahead with the integration of Nippon Cargo Airlines and ANA Cargo, starting with the merger of overseas sales teams and selected warehouse operations in Japan.
The next phase of the consolidation will begin on 1 April and is aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of ANA Group’s cargo business following its acquisition of NCA last year.
Under the new structure, the international sales organisations of ANA Cargo and NCA outside Japan will be combined so customers can work through a single point of contact across the network, regardless of which carrier is operating the service.
Warehouse integration will also begin in Japan, initially at Chubu Centrair International Airport and Kansai International Airport. The plan is to create single locations for cargo drop-off and collection, simplifying handling processes for customers and operators.
Outside Japan, cargo operations are also set to be brought together in stages, beginning with inbound cargo handling at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. ANA Holdings said additional consolidation of the domestic sales structure in Japan and further integration of warehousing at both domestic and international airports are under consideration.
Despite the deeper integration, ANA stressed that NCA will continue to hold its own Air Transport Business License and Air Operator Certificate.
Since late last year, ANA and NCA have already been combining elements of their cargo networks in an effort to avoid duplication. They have also introduced a codeshare arrangement that allows each side to access capacity on the other’s aircraft. Under the current plan, Boeing 767 freighters will focus on Asia routes, while 777Fs and 747Fs will mainly serve North America and Europe.
ANA Holdings said the objective is to combine ANA Cargo’s strengths as a combination carrier with NCA’s specialist expertise as a dedicated freighter operator. By tightening the links between passenger services, freighter operations, sales and handling, the group believes it can provide more integrated end-to-end solutions and respond more effectively to market change.
ANA also said the reorganisation is expected to contribute toward its target of generating Y30bn in integration and synergy effects. After completing the takeover of NCA from NYK in August last year, the group positioned itself as Japan’s largest combination passenger and cargo airline operator.
