All Nippon Airways has acquired Nippon Cargo Airlines, becoming the world’s 14th largest airline group by tonnage. The deal faced multiple delays due to regulatory reviews, with Chinese and Japanese authorities finally approving. ANA aims to expand its international air cargo network with this acquisition.

Nippon Cargo Airlines operates eight Boeing 747-8s and leases seven 747-400s. NYK Line agreed to sell NCA to ANA due to operational challenges. The deal took longer than expected, with executives anticipating closure in February 2024 after initial delays. ANA initially planned to complete the transaction on May 1.

ANA’s international cargo revenue for the first quarter ended June 30 decreased by 2% to $286.2 million. Despite a 2.5% increase in traffic volume, demand declined for shipments from China to North America. ANA offset this by increasing shipments from the rest of Asia to North America.

The final transfer of NCA shares to ANA occurred on Friday. The financial terms were not disclosed. ANA Holdings’ president and CEO, Koji Shibata, highlighted the strategic integration of NCA’s network with ANA’s infrastructure to enhance cargo transport solutions globally.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: All Nippon Airways finalizes takeover of Nippon Cargo Airlines