Inside SWISS, Lufthansa and United's Crucial Cargo Alliance

Swiss WorldCargo has officially joined the existing joint business agreement (JBA) between Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo, marking a significant expansion in transatlantic air freight collaboration.

Effective 1 August, the trilateral agreement will deliver a more robust and streamlined cargo service between the US and Europe, enhancing network coverage, operational efficiency and customer flexibility.

The move represents a pivotal moment for the global cargo sector, as three of the world’s most respected air freight carriers join forces to form a high-performance logistics network across the Atlantic—one that caters to the evolving needs of global trade and integrated supply chains.

A collaborative milestone in air freight

The Lufthansa-United JBA has already proven successful, enabling close cooperation across sales, customer services and route planning.

With Swiss WorldCargo on board, the alliance looks poised to deliver even greater value by leveraging each carrier’s core strengths.

The three airlines will coordinate across more than 200 origin and destination points in Europe and the US, providing denser schedules, improved connectivity and increased capacity across major transatlantic trade corridors. The collaboration will also offer shippers and freight forwarders greater scheduling flexibility, simplified processes and more predictable service levels.

Alain Chisari, Head of Swiss WorldCargo, comments: “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."

Elevating supply chain efficiency and resilience

In today’s fast-moving supply chain environment, where geopolitical tensions, port disruptions and customer expectations continue to challenge logistics providers, the ability to deliver agile and integrated air freight services is critical.

The expanded JBA directly supports this need by unlocking operational synergies and providing supply chain leaders with access to a more consistent, scalable and seamless logistics experience.

Through their partnership, the three carriers will align on several operational aspects, including:

• Harmonised handling procedures at key hubs
• Integrated booking and tracking platforms for simplified cargo management
• Coordinated scheduling and transit optimisation
• Joint customer service and account management strategies

For shippers, this means easier access to capacity, faster transits and a more reliable service proposition—all of which contribute to stronger inventory control, improved lead times and enhanced service level agreements.

Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, highlights the broader strategic value: “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."

Uniting strengths for a smarter cargo network

With Swiss WorldCargo’s strong presence in key European markets – especially through its Zurich hub – the expanded network strengthens the alliance’s ability to serve both traditional and emerging cargo segments.

From pharmaceuticals and perishables to luxury goods and high-tech components, the combined carrier strengths create a platform fit for purpose in a highly competitive logistics landscape.

Jan Krems, President of United Cargo, adds: "We are proud to welcome Swiss WorldCargo into our transatlantic joint venture with Lufthansa Cargo. This expanded collaboration brings together three premium carriers with complementary networks, operational expertise and shared values.

"By streamlining processes and coordinating schedules, we’re delivering smarter, more efficient solutions across the air cargo supply chain.”

The trio's joint activities will continue to adhere strictly to applicable competition laws and regulatory requirements in both the EU and the US, ensuring compliance while delivering tangible benefits to stakeholders.

Ultimately, for supply chain professionals and freight forwarders, the alliance offers a compelling proposition: access to an expanded, high-quality network supported by innovation, transparency and operational excellence.

As the air freight sector adapts to shifting global dynamics, such partnerships will be key to building the resilient, agile logistics ecosystems of the future.