This move came into effect on October 1 and is hoped to benefits customers of both carriers, with one amalgamated location for export drop-off and import delivery arrangements. This comes in addition to the close partnership being operated with regards to network planning, sales, IT and service enhancements.
The first shipments transported under the co-operative framework are scheduled to take place from February 1 2017, initially from Hong Kong to Europe. Following this, eastbound shipments from Europe to Hong Kong will also become available in 2018.
Peter Gerber, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo, expressed enthusiasm about the advantages for their customers, calling the move “an important milestone” for the start of Lufthansa Cargo’s partnership with Cathay at the beginning of the year. “The teams of both airlines can now work on the optimal coordination of their handling processes,” he concluded.
Simon Large, Director Cargo at Cathay Pacific, spoke on behalf of Cathay, saying: “Bringing Hong Kong, the world’s busiest international air cargo hub closer to Europe, and thereby strengthening one of the world’s great trade lanes is what our co-operation is all about.
“Thanks to the strengths of our respective networks, our customers will soon benefit from more direct connections, greater flexibility and time savings.”
Both companies will continue to jointly carry out all activities in compliance with all applicable laws, including the competition rules of both the European Union and Hong Kong.
