Japanese freighter specialist Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) will restart operations at Frankfurt Airport from 4 September, re-establishing its presence in Germany after a 15-year hiatus. The return underscores the strategic importance of Frankfurt as a European cargo hub and highlights the renewed ambitions of NCA under its new parent company, ANA Holdings.
Twice-Weekly Boeing 747-8F Services
NCA will deploy its Boeing 747-8 freighters on two weekly rotations. The first service will operate Narita–Anchorage–Amsterdam Schiphol–Frankfurt–Narita, while the second will follow a Narita–Anchorage–Frankfurt–Narita routing.
The airline confirmed that the new operations remain subject to regulatory approval from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and German aviation authorities.
NCA last served Frankfurt in 2009, before consolidating its network during a period of restructuring. Its return reaffirms the carrier’s commitment to strengthening its European network, where it currently serves Amsterdam Schiphol and Milan Malpensa, in addition to a codeshare agreement with Luxembourg.
Boost for Frankfurt Airport
The move comes at a pivotal time for Frankfurt Airport, which has seen sluggish cargo performance this year. Through the first seven months of 2025, volumes rose by just 1.4% year on year to 1.2 million tonnes. However, in July, the hub posted a stronger 3.7% increase, benefiting from front-loading of shipments ahead of new US tariffs.
NCA’s renewed presence is expected to enhance Frankfurt’s connectivity with Japan and wider Asia, offering shippers additional options in a period of fluctuating trade flows.
A spokesperson for Frankfurt Airport said: “The return of Nippon Cargo Airlines after more than a decade underscores the enduring importance of Frankfurt as a gateway for Asia–Europe trade. This strengthens our hub offering for industries reliant on reliable long-haul cargo connections.”
First Network Adjustment Under ANA Holdings
The Frankfurt relaunch is the first network adjustment announced since NCA’s acquisition by ANA Holdings in early August. The integration created Japan’s largest combination carrier, combining ANA’s passenger bellyhold operations with NCA’s all-cargo expertise.
The merged cargo fleet includes:
- Six Boeing 767 freighters
- Two Boeing 777 freighters
- Eight Boeing 747-8 freighters (operated by NCA)
In addition, NCA owns seven Boeing 747-400Fs, which are leased out to other operators.
An ANA Holdings executive commented: “By aligning NCA’s freighter strength with ANA’s global passenger network, we can offer shippers a more comprehensive and resilient service. Frankfurt is a natural choice as one of Europe’s key cargo gateways.”
Competitive Landscape at Frankfurt
NCA’s decision to reinstate Frankfurt flights brings it back into direct competition with major Asian and European freighter operators serving the hub. Korean Air Cargo, Cathay Pacific Cargo, Cargolux, Singapore Airlines Cargo, and China Airlines Cargo all maintain strong presences at Frankfurt, capitalising on its role as a key distribution centre for European exports and imports.
Industry analysts note that while Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris CDG have grown in prominence, Frankfurt remains a preferred hub for Asian carriers thanks to its extensive trucking network, central location in Europe’s industrial heartland, and long-standing ties with automotive and pharmaceutical supply chains.
By returning to Frankfurt, NCA is positioning itself to capture demand from sectors that value high-frequency, high-capacity services—particularly as supply chains diversify and shippers seek alternatives amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Strategic Outlook
The relaunch of Frankfurt services signals a broader strategic intent by ANA Holdings to strengthen Japan’s role in global air cargo. By leveraging NCA’s fleet of long-range 747-8Fs, the group aims to expand transpacific and Asia–Europe connectivity while maintaining flexibility to adapt to shifting trade patterns.
For Frankfurt, the return of NCA represents not only added capacity but also a reinforcement of its status as Europe’s primary hub for Asian freighter operations.
A cargo industry consultant told Cargo Magazine: “This is a well-timed move. With global demand stabilising after the post-pandemic correction, Frankfurt’s role as a bridge between Europe and Asia remains critical. NCA’s return adds to the hub’s resilience and provides shippers with much-needed capacity diversity.”
As air cargo markets continue to evolve, NCA’s relaunch of Frankfurt operations is both a symbolic return and a practical expansion—demonstrating how strategic partnerships, fleet strength, and hub connectivity can reshape the competitive landscape.
