Atlas Air and DHL Express end joint venture on strategic grounds

Atlas Air and DHL Express have decided to dissolve their joint venture, Polar Air Cargo, as reported by Cargo Facts. Polar Air Cargo, established in 1993, is a US-based cargo airline focusing on transpacific freight services between the US and Asia-Pacific. The joint venture began in 2007 with Atlas Air holding the majority stake.

The decision to part ways was mutual, attributed to shifting strategic priorities. Under the joint venture, Polar Air Cargo provided scheduled freight services while Atlas Air operated the aircraft. Most cargo space was allocated to DHL Express, which managed the flight network.

With the dissolution plans underway, Atlas Air informed FreightWaves that some operations and staff from Polar Air Cargo will transition to Atlas Air, while others will move to DHL. However, Atlas will retain Polar’s air operating certificate. An Atlas Air spokesperson commented: "As we considered the evolution of our respective companies, Atlas and DHL have mutually decided that the joint venture no longer aligns with the strategic direction of either shareholder company."