Customers of Cathay Pacific’s cargo division and Lufthansa Cargo are now enjoying the advantages of the recent expansion of the carriers’ joint business agreement (JBA), which has seen the start of eastbound joint shipments from Europe to Hong Kong.

Under the JBA framework, Hong Kong is directly connected to Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Dublin, London (Gatwick and Heathrow airports), Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome and Zurich.

In addition to the capacity provided by the airlines’ dedicated fleet of cargo aircraft, the belly space of passenger aircraft and the road feeder services of both partners can also be booked by customers.

Furthermore, customers have also benefitted from having one single location for export drop-off and import delivery since the introduction of the Hong Kong and Frankfurt joint handling facilities in late 2016 and early 2017 respectively.

As well as collaborating on network planning, Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa Cargo have worked closely together on IT and service enhancements since the signing of the cooperation agreement in May 2016.

Cathay Pacific Director Commercial and Cargo Ronald Lam said: "Our cooperation with Lufthansa has reached an exciting new phase, which is of great benefit to our customers in Europe and undoubtedly strengthens one of the world’s great trade lanes."

Lufthansa Cargo Chairman and CEO Peter Gerber added: "We are pleased that our joint customers will now be able to take full advantage of our partnership. This is a superb basis for a long-term successful cooperation. Together, we can make air cargo even more appealing."

Customers have been able to book general and express cargo on all Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa flights from Hong Kong to Europe since 2017, the commencement of Hong Kong-bound shipments means there are now 280 direct flights, covering 15 airports, in the carriers’ joint network per week.

The joint activities are carried out in full compliance with all applicable laws, including the competition rules of the European Union and Hong Kong.