United, Lufthansa Cargo launch trans-Atlantic cargo joint venture

United Airlines and Lufthansa Cargo have launched an air cargo joint venture calling for the two airlines to sell services and book shipments on routes between the U.S. and Europe.

The venture will initially operate on specific lanes from the U.S., Italy, Great Britain, Ireland, and Germany, the carriers said Friday. Markets will be added in the coming months, and new products and other features will come on line in the future, Chicago-based United and Frankfurt-based Lufthansa Cargo said.

"The combination of the two strong networks offers new routing options," said Peter Gerber, chairman and CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. "The co-location of our warehouses in Munich, for example, is an additional benefit, with customers needing only one location for export drop-off and import delivery. Aligned processes and quicker transfers between separate warehouses also lead to streamlined transport times."

United Cargo President Jan Krems said in the statement that the venture will offer "increased frequencies on a combined network accessible through either partner's booking channels."

The joint venture agreement was announced in April 2017.