ANA and Lufthansa Cargo obtain antitrust immunity for Japan-Europe joint venture

All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Lufthansa Cargo AG stated (03-Sep-2014) they would launch a strategic air cargo JV on routes between Japan and Europe and vice versa. This is the first worldwide cargo JV of its kind. ANA has received antitrust immunity, ie approval for the JV from the Japanese Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport after filing for it in spring 2014. In addition, the JV has been positively assessed by external counsel for compliance with relevant EU antitrust regulations. With the approval, ANA and Lufthansa Cargo can jointly manage activities covered by the JV including network planning, pricing, sales and handling on all routes between Japan and Europe and vice versa. Based on a joint contract which shall be signed in the next weeks, the two carriers aim to introduce the joint approach on shipments originating from Japan to Europe in winter 2014/2015 and for shipments from Europe to Japan mid-2015.[more - original PR]