IAG Cargo, MASkargo and Qatar Airways Cargo have completed their first customer shipment involving all three carriers, marking a significant step in preparations for the launch of their Global Cargo Joint Business later this year.
The trial shipment involved 11 tonnes of copper foil moving from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD), with the cargo routed through Doha (DOH) and Dublin (DUB). The operation provided the three airlines with an opportunity to demonstrate how shipments can be coordinated across their respective hubs and networks.
Copper foil is an important material for advanced electronics as well as electric vehicle battery manufacturing. Moving the shipment from Malaysia, one of Asia’s major electronics production centres, also underlined the potential of the planned joint business to link manufacturing hubs with major international markets.
The Global Cargo Joint Business was announced in 2025 and is designed to combine the networks of the three cargo carriers into an integrated operation covering more than 400 destinations across six continents once fully launched. Customers are expected to gain access to more routing possibilities, increased network flexibility and more streamlined connections to international markets.
For IAG Cargo, completing the first trilateral shipment represents an important stage in the preparation process.
“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,” said David Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer at IAG 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,” he added.
Mark Jason Thomas, Chief Executive Officer at MASkargo, said the milestone illustrates how the partnership can connect businesses with broader global opportunities by bringing together the capabilities of the three cargo carriers.
He said the inaugural shipment originating in Malaysia and moving through the partners’ networks demonstrates the potential of the cooperation to strengthen connections between Asia’s production centres and international demand markets. As preparations for the joint business continue, the carriers will concentrate on widening market access, increasing flexibility and creating long-term value for customers.
Qatar Airways Cargo Chief Officer Cargo Mark Drusch also pointed to the operational significance of the trial. According to Drusch, the successful movement of the trilateral shipment demonstrated the level of operational alignment, connectivity and customer focus expected to underpin the Joint Business.
He added that the cooperation is intended to provide customers with a more connected and streamlined cargo experience by combining the complementary networks and expertise of the three airlines. The resulting proposition is expected to offer broader global reach, greater routing flexibility and improved operational efficiency.
Operational integration has already begun ahead of the joint business launch. Earlier this year, IAG Cargo was appointed ground handling agent for Qatar Airways Cargo in Dublin and Madrid, both identified as strategic hubs for the planned Joint Business.
The development follows the introduction of MASkargo’s handling operations at London Heathrow last year, providing further support for the integration of the three carriers’ operations.
IAG Cargo, MASkargo and Qatar Airways Cargo will continue with operational trials and integration activities ahead of the planned launch of the Global Cargo Joint Business later this year.
For now, customers can already book shipments through the online booking platforms operated by each of the three carriers.
