Press release -
Further Expansion of Transatlantic Alliance
Swiss WorldCargo strengthens the joint business agreement between Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo
Zürich, Switzerland – 23 July 2025 Today we are pleased to announce Swiss WorldCargo’s entry into Lufthansa Cargo’s and United Cargo’s joint business agreement, which will provide cargo customers with more flexibility and transportation options, thanks to denser direct connections to and from Europe over the Atlantic.
Over the past years, Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo have successfully offered their customers a joint business agreement, enabling the two airlines to cooperate in various areas, including sales, customer relations and networks between the United States and Europe.
Effective 1 August 2025, Swiss WorldCargo officially joins this alliance, further strengthening the partnership. This expanded collaboration aims to deliver even greater value to customers through enhanced connectivity, coordinated services, and a seamless cargo experience across the transatlantic network.
Under the expanded joint business agreement, United Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, and Swiss WorldCargo will work closely together on the aspects mentioned above. The airlines will cooperate on cargo traffic between more than 200 destinations in the US to Zurich and Frankfurt.
The joint activities will be carried out in full compliance with all applicable laws, including the competition rules of the European Union and United States.
“We are pleased to announce our participation in the joint business agreement between Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo,” said Alain Chisari, Head of Swiss WorldCargo. “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.”
“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,” says Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo.
“We are proud to welcome Swiss WorldCargo into our transatlantic joint venture with Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo,” said Jan Krems, President 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.”
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Swiss WorldCargo
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is Switzerland’s largest air carrier. With one of Europe’s most advanced and carbon-efficient aircraft fleets, SWISS is a premium airline that provides direct flights from Zurich and Geneva to keep Switzerland connected with Europe and the world. Its Swiss WorldCargo division offers an extensive range of airport-to-airport airfreight services for high-value, time-critical and care-intensive consignments. As The Airline of Switzerland, SWISS embodies its home country’s traditional values and is dedicated to delivering the highest product and service quality. The company has also committed to the ambitious climate goals of halving its 2019 net carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and making its operations entirely carbon-neutral by 2050, particularly by promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuels. SWISS is part of the Lufthansa Group and is also a member of Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline network.
For questions or comments regarding this press release, please contact us at cargo.communications@swiss.com.
United Cargo
United Cargo provides reliable, efficient shipping solutions through United Airlines’ global network, offering access to over 4,500 daily flights across six continents. From pharmaceuticals and perishables to e-commerce and aircraft parts, United Cargo transports a diverse range of commodities with speed and care.
Beyond air capacity, United Cargo operates an integrated trucking network, extending its reach to key regional and last-mile markets. Supported by advanced handling processes, digital tools, and a customer-first mindset, United Cargo ensures safe and seamless delivery throughout the supply chain.
With a strong commitment to operational excellence and continuous innovation, United Cargo is more than a logistics provider—it’s a strategic partner helping businesses stay connected in a fast-moving world.
As a leader in global air freight, United Cargo is proudly leading the movement of movement, connecting people, products, and possibilities every day.
For questions or comments regarding this press release, please contact us at Cargo-communication@united.com
Lufthansa Cargo
Lufthansa Cargo is one of the world's leading cargo airlines and part of the Lufthansa Group, Europe's largest airline group. Through its five cargo hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, Brussels, Vienna and Rome, the airfreight specialist transports an average of 2,500 tons of freight per day. This is based on a strong and reliable airport-to-airport network that covers some 350 destinations in more than 100 countries. Lufthansa Cargo markets the cargo capacities of the passenger aircraft of Lufthansa Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, ITA Airways and SunExpress, as well as its own freighter fleet of 18 Boeing 777F and four Airbus A321F. In addition, some 300 trucks operate daily under a Lufthansa Cargo flight number. Together with its subsidiaries, Lufthansa Cargo offers customized, fast and efficient logistics solutions along the entire supply chain. In this way, the company fulfills its mission "Enabling Global Business" and connects markets and trading partners worldwide. Innovative technologies and investments in sustainability play a central role. In addition to a modern fleet and the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the focus is on continuous optimization of flight operations. In 2024, the company generated revenues of 3.26 billion euros and a transport performance of 8.5 billion freight tonne-kilometers. It currently employs approximately 4,200 people worldwide.
