LONDON – Recently, Hong-Kong based Oneworld carrier, Cathay Pacific joined forces with German carrier Lufthansa’s cargo division Lufthansa Cargo and announced the entry of Swiss World Cargo into the agreement.
This will provide customers with better options in shipping their goods worldwide, giving them better connections, more flexibility, efficiency and importantly, deduction in time travel.
With Swiss WorldCargo being introduced into the newly formed ‘business venture’, this further cements cooperation between Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa Cargo which was inked in 2016.
This deal allows both airlines to streamline their operations, including, terms of sales, pricing, contracts and the handling of goods between Asia and Europe.
Cathay Pacific Director Cargo Tom Owen said: “We are delighted to welcome Swiss WorldCargo into our joint business agreement.”
“Cathay Pacific is always looking for more ways to give our cargo customers greater choice and more options for shipments whenever they fly their goods with us.”
“The addition of Swiss World Cargo’s flights to the already large combined network of Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa will further bring Hong Kong, the world’s busiest air cargo hub, closer to Europe and strengthen one of the world’s great trade lanes.”
The cooperation between the two airlines did not come as a surprise, since both airlines already enjoyed close relationships.
At both Hong Kong and Frankfurt hubs, the two airlines already have a close collaboration and enjoy a seamless working relationship.
In fact, Lufthansa Cargo CEO Dorothea von Boxberg said: “We are very pleased about the trilateral cooperation just starting, bringing three well-known cargo carriers to the table and making our customers an even more attractive offer.”
“Cargo customers will appreciate the opportunities for quicker and easier shipping. The expanded joint venture will generate numerous benefits for our customers because our networks, our hubs and our fleet complement each other effectively.”
With the Swiss now working together with the Hong Kongers and the Germans, the partnership will further enshrine the Swiss brand into the venture.
Swiss WorldCargo will work closely with Cathay and Lufthansa Cargo on network planning, marketing, sales and ground handline With this partnership, Zurich will gradually be introduced within the network of Hong Kong and Frankfurt.
Hong Kong will be now closely connected to Zurich and Frankfurt. Customers wishing to use cargo services will be able to book through all three partner airlines.
Swiss International Air Lines Head of Cargo Lorenzo Stoll said: “We are very excited to be entering this joint business agreement between Lufthansa Cargo and Cathay Pacific, thanks to which we can not only strengthen our already close collaboration but also expand our network offering to our customers while staying true to our high quality and flexibility.”
The joint partnership with the three airlines will increase cargo volumes between Asia and Europe. This may raise questions as this act is very cartel-like, but these activities are in lieu of the competition rules of the European Union and Hong Kong.
