Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) and Singapore Airlines Cargo (SIA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop strategic partnership, building on existing block space agreements.
In the first phase, the two airlines have agreed to introduce codeshare services on routes between Tokyo and Singapore after 1 April 2018, subject to regulatory approval, which will mean customers will enjoy added flexibility.
NCA operates six weekly flights between Singapore Changi Airport from Tokyo Narita Airport using a Boeing 747 Freighter, while SIA connects Singapore to Tokyo with two daily flights to Narita and three a day to Haneda Airport.
NCA president and chief executive officer, Fukashi Sakamoto says: “NCA has maintained a continual presence in Singapore for over three decades, and we are excited to embark on new partnership initiatives with SIA under this agreement. The proposed codeshare service will pave the way for future ventures, leading to greater customer satisfaction.”
SIA Cargo president, Chin Yau Seng says: “We value our longstanding relationship with NCA. The signing of this MOU marks our commitment to explore synergies and mutually enhance our product and service offerings for the benefit of our customers. Our planned codeshare services between Tokyo and Singapore represent an important first step in building a strategic partnership between our companies.”
Singapore Airlines has also released its third quarter results, with the cargo division seeing strong results.
Cargo and mail carried was up 4.1 per cent in the third quarter to 347,200 tonnes and by 4.5 per cent to 989,000 tonnes in the nine months up to 31 December 2017.
Cargo operating profit was up from $53 million to $88 million in the third quarter due to carrying more freight and improving yields.
In the nine months up to 31 December 2017, operating profits saw a noticeable improvement, increasing from $8 million in 2016 to $120 million, with revenue rising $210 million as cargo carriage and yields improved on the back of stronger market conditions.
