Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) has expanded its air cargo network with the addition of Nippon Cargo Airlines, marking a further step in reinforcing industry collaboration within Germany’s aviation sector.
The Tokyo-based carrier, Japan’s only dedicated all-cargo airline, currently operates scheduled freighter services linking Tokyo and Frankfurt, with two weekly flights connecting the major economic hubs. Its inclusion in BARIG’s cargo segment brings additional operational expertise to an association that represents a broad spectrum of international airlines active in the German market.
BARIG, which advocates on behalf of airlines operating in Germany, has increasingly focused on addressing structural challenges affecting the air cargo industry. These include elevated operational and location costs, complex regulatory procedures, and administrative burdens that continue to impact efficiency and competitiveness.
Commenting on the development, BARIG Chairman and Executive Director Michael Hoppe noted that the addition of Nippon Cargo Airlines enhances the association’s collective knowledge base, particularly at a time when coordinated industry engagement is essential to improve framework conditions for cargo operators.
Founded in 1985, Nippon Cargo Airlines has established itself as a specialist in global freight transportation, operating a fleet of eight Boeing 747-8F aircraft. The airline serves a network of international destinations, supporting a wide range of cargo segments including general freight, oversized shipments, and specialized logistics solutions.
The German market remains a strategic priority for the carrier, underpinned by longstanding economic ties between Japan and Germany. Bilateral trade flows between the two countries continue to drive demand for reliable and high-capacity air cargo services, particularly across industrial, automotive, and high-value manufacturing sectors.
Kazumasa Kobara, General Manager Germany at Nippon Cargo Airlines, highlighted the importance of engaging with industry stakeholders through BARIG, emphasising the value of collaboration in shaping the future of air cargo operations in Germany and across Europe.
The addition of Nippon Cargo Airlines brings BARIG’s cargo carrier membership to more than 35 airlines, reinforcing its role as a key platform for dialogue between operators, regulators, and industry partners. As global supply chains evolve and air freight demand patterns shift, such collaborative frameworks are expected to play an increasingly important role in addressing operational challenges and supporting sustainable sector growth.
