Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MAB Kargo Sdn Bhd (MASkargo) plan to jointly launch a global cargo business. Following an initial announcement in April 2025, the partnership now targets a formal launch in late 2025. The global partnership will deliver new routing opportunities, increased operational agility, and unparalleled connectivity for customers across the global air freight market, says a release.
The joint business’ value proposition lies in connecting the Asia-Pacific region, West Asia, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Europe, and the Americas, it says. It will unlock new routings not previously available via a single booking. The parties will focus on key cargo markets, with additional countries to be included in future phases, in line with regulatory approvals, the release said. The carriers will optimise freighter and belly hold capacity across their combined networks, offering flexibility for customers, alongside coordinated ground handling and trucking.
USTR fee: BIMCO seeks standard clause
BIMCO, the world’s largest shipping association, has initiated the development of a standard industry clause to address contractual uncertainties arising from the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) notice of actions to impose fees on ships calling at US ports that are Chinese-built or have Chinese owners or operators. The actions are part of the USTR’s ‘Section 301 Investigation of China’s Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance’. It will result in fees imposed on any car carrier built outside the US, a release said. “When implemented, the measures will significantly raise the cost of seaborne trade to and from the United States. Additionally, the actions present complex contractual challenges for the shipping industry, which is responsible for transporting around 90 per cent of world trade,” says David Loosley, BIMCO Secretary General and CEO.