United Airlines, Lufthansa Cargo unveil air cargo joint venture

United Airlines and Lufthansa Cargo have launched their previously announced air cargo joint venture. Effective May 3, the two carriers jointly manage sales and booking of standard and express shipments on routes between Europe and the US using their joint venture framework. Starting with selected routings from the US, Italy, Great Britain, Ireland and Germany, the carriers will expand the geographical scope in the coming months and plan to include additional products and features in the future.

“The joint venture was designed to provide enhanced value to our customers,” said Peter Gerber, Chairman and CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. “The combination of the two strong networks offers new routing options. The co-location of our warehouses, in Munich for example, is an additional benefit, with customers needing only one location for export drop-off and import delivery. Aligned processes and quicker transfers between separate warehouses also lead to streamlined transport times,” Gerber continued.

“Cargo customers worldwide value speed, convenience and reliability,” said United Cargo President Jan Krems. “Through our joint venture, United and Lufthansa Cargo offer transatlantic shippers more options that produce these benefits – including increased frequencies on a combined network accessible through either partner’s booking channels. Our aligned teams and processes also deliver the superior service quality essential to our customers’ success.”