FTC Approves All Nippon ANA’s Acquisition of Nippon Cargo Airlines

Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has approved ANA Holdings’ acquisition of Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA). The regulator ruled out competition concerns on key cargo routes between Japan and the U.S., China, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Europe. ANA Holdings, the parent company of All Nippon Airways, aims to expand its cargo network through this deal.

Earlier, the JFTC raised concerns over cargo competition on routes to Los Angeles and Chicago. To address this, ANA proposed a block space agreement with Polar Air Cargo and agreed to a third-party monitoring system, ensuring market fairness. These measures satisfied regulators, paving the way for approval.

ANA CEO Shinichi Inoue previously stated that integrating ANA and NCA’s networks would strengthen operational efficiency and enhance customer options. The acquisition is expected to boost ANA’s cargo capabilities amid increasing global demand.

Despite Japan’s approval, competition authorities in China and Singapore have yet to clear the deal. The JFTC is actively coordinating with these agencies as part of the regulatory process.

Nippon Cargo Airlines, Japan’s only dedicated cargo airline, currently operates a fleet of eight Boeing 747-8 freighters. Its network spans 13 airports across nine countries. The airline’s acquisition by ANA Holdings was initially agreed upon in March 2023 but has faced delays due to prolonged regulatory reviews in Japan and China.

With the JFTC’s approval, ANA Holdings moves closer to finalizing the deal, reinforcing its position in the global air cargo market.

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