ANA Holdings is advancing the integration of its cargo operations by merging sales and warehousing functions between Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) and ANA Cargo, as part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency and competitiveness across its global network.
The next phase of integration will begin on 1 April 2026, focusing initially on unifying commercial and operational touchpoints to streamline customer access and optimise cargo handling processes.
A key component of the plan is the consolidation of international sales structures. Outside Japan, customers will benefit from a single point of contact across both carriers’ networks, regardless of whether shipments move on freighter or passenger aircraft. The move is expected to simplify booking processes and improve coordination across trade lanes.
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On the ground, the group will integrate warehouse operations within Japan, starting at Chubu Centrair International Airport and Kansai International Airport. The consolidation will create unified cargo handling points for both pick-up and delivery, reducing duplication and improving operational efficiency.
Internationally, cargo handling integration will also begin, with arrival operations at O’Hare International Airportidentified as an initial focus. Further consolidation across additional global stations is expected as the programme progresses.
Despite the operational integration, ANA Holdings confirmed that NCA will retain its Air Transport Business License and Air Operator Certificate, maintaining its regulatory independence as a dedicated freighter operator.
The initiative builds on earlier steps taken since late 2025, including the alignment of cargo networks to reduce overlap and the introduction of a codeshare agreement, enabling reciprocal access to capacity across both fleets. Under the coordinated network strategy, Boeing 767 freighters are being deployed primarily on Asian routes, while larger Boeing 777F and 747F aircraft are focused on long-haul services to North America and Europe.
According to ANA Holdings, the integration is designed to leverage the complementary strengths of both entities—combining the extensive passenger network of ANA with the specialised freighter expertise of NCA.
“This integration aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the ANA Group’s cargo business by combining the expertise of ANA Cargo as a combination carrier with the specialised know-how of NCA as a dedicated freighter operator,” the company said in a statement.
By aligning sales, flight operations, and cargo handling into a more cohesive structure, the group aims to deliver end-to-end logistics solutions and respond more effectively to evolving customer requirements in a dynamic air freight market.
The integration is also expected to generate significant financial benefits, with ANA targeting approximately ¥30 billion in synergy effects. Strategically, the group is positioning itself to become Asia’s leading combination carrier by leveraging the scale and flexibility of its combined passenger and freighter networks.
ANA completed its acquisition of Nippon Cargo Airlines from Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) in August 2025, a move that established the group as Japan’s largest operator of combined passenger and cargo services.
As the integration progresses, the consolidation of commercial and operational functions is expected to enhance service reliability, network reach, and overall value proposition for customers across global supply chains.
