Strength (and flexibility) in numbers – in this case, number of flights and destinations. Swiss WorldCargo announced this week that it has joined the transatlantic agreement that already existed between Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo. The result, once it officially gets underway on 01AUG25, will be an attractive cargo network comprising a total of over 200 U.S. destinations connecting with Zurich in Switzerland in addition to the existing Frankfurt/Germany services.
The original United Cargo–Lufthansa Cargo joint business agreement(limited to standard cargo), was launched in 2018, after three years of negotiations. Since then, the two airlines have cooperated on sales, customer relations, product enlargements and network topics. That success will now be augmented with Swiss WorldCargo joining the fold and the trio focusing on delivering “even greater value to customers through enhanced connectivity, coordinated services, and a seamless cargo experience across the transatlantic network,” as the press release states. It emphasizes that all joint activities will be carried out in full compliance with all applicable laws such as European Union and United States competition regulations.
Important milestone
Alain Chisari, Head of Swiss WorldCargo, stated: “We are pleased to announce our participation in the joint business agreement between Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo. This agreement marks an important milestone in strengthening our collaboration, broadening our global network, and offering our customers increased flexibility and connectivity. By joining this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and efficient air cargo solutions worldwide.”
Combining synergies
Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, commented: “The entry of Swiss WorldCargo into Lufthansa Cargo’s successful joint venture with United Cargo marks a significant milestone in enhancing collaboration and adding value for our customers. This expanded business agreement offers customers benefits especially of an even denser network and more seamless booking possibilities ensuring greater flexibility and reliability for their shipments. The combined synergies further enhance service quality and represent a step towards sustainable growth in a volatile and very competitive market for Lufthansa Cargo and its partners.”
Creating a seamless experience
Jan Krems, President United Cargo, concluded: “We are proud to welcome Swiss WorldCargo into our transatlantic joint venture with Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo. This expanded collaboration brings together three premium carriers with complementary networks, operational expertise, and shared values. By coordinating schedules, aligning handling processes, and streamlining booking and tracking systems, we’re creating a more seamless experience for our customers – offering greater capacity, more consistent service, and improved access across key U.S. and European markets. This partnership strengthens our ability to meet growing demand and deliver smarter, more efficient solutions across the air cargo supply chain.”
More than a trio, in fact
The transatlantic cargo joint venture also includes the belly capacities of the passenger fleets of Brussels Airlines (IATA: SN) and Austrian Airlines (OS). That space is managed by Lufthansa Cargo, meaning that shipments transported by OS or SN fly under the Lufthansa Cargo code, Jan Paulin, Senior Manager Corporate Communication Lufthansa Cargo, confirmed to CargoForwarder Global. The same should soon also apply to the Italian ITA Airways, in which the Lufthansa Group has a 41% stake since mid-JAN25. Intensive talks are currently underway to integrate ITA’s freight activities into Lufthansa Cargo. If you include Brussels Airlines and Austrian Airlines, the new United Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, SwissWorld Cargo trio, is in fact a quintet which is on the verge of becoming a sextet once ITA’s capacity is added.
